Content Advice: The content of this article relates to sexual violence. If you would like to access support, without reading further, please follow this link Dignity at Work and Study Support, Guidance and Reporting  this includes resources on sexual harassment, assault and violence. 

Words by Sorcha Mullen

For the past two years, I’ve been a board member of the QMU, and improving support and resources for survivors of gender-based, sexual and intimate partner violence, as well as prevention of these issues, has been a huge focus. Below I’ve listed some of the work we are doing, and carrying on into next year. You can also find resources and information in our bathrooms, and on our condom booth, which will be back up and running very soon! (Follow @qmucampaigns to find out when!)

Glasgow Women’s Aid ‘Enough!!’ Drop-in sessions

Over the past year, we have hosted fortnightly drop-in sessions from  ‘Enough!!’ on our condom booth, every second Wednesday from 12-4. They are available to provide support, just say to the worker you would like to speak with them, and they will guide you to a private room. As well as providing emotional support, the workers can provide information on subjects such as housing, and the criminal justice process. ‘Enough!!’ Is a support service for 13-21 year olds worried about their relationship, and you can find out more information here.

Glasgow Women’s Aid workshops

Glasgow Women’s Aid have also been in the union to deliver awareness raising and active consent workshops. The awareness raising session includes discussions on what an abusive relationship can look like, the impacts of abuse, safety planning and where to seek support. The active consent workshop facilitates open discussions and activities around consent. This includes discussing what consent is, and what stops consent, as well as looking at the societal context around consent and sexual violence. You can find out more information about the work of Glasgow Women’s Aid here.

Board training: Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis active bystander training

This year, Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis delivered active bystander training to the QMU board, as well as members of other student bodies. This training included discussions around the importance of being an active bystander, and how essential this is to preventing sexual violence, along with information on attitudes to sexual violence. As part of this training, we took part in scenario based activities, to develop our skills and confidence as active bystanders, and also to improve our support for survivors. You can find out more information about the work of Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis here.

Survivor peer support group

This project is currently in development, and due to begin in the new academic year. As a survivor myself, and through speaking with other survivors, I’m incredibly aware of how isolating it can feel to continue your studies after you’ve experienced gender-based violence. Myself and a colleague have been trained as facilitators for the PSG, which will run over a 6-8 week block, with the intention of creating a safe space for women, trans and non-binary survivors of gender-based violence to talk about their experiences and support each other. Keep an eye on QMU socials for more info coming soon!

 

If you require support, you can contact the Counselling and Advice line 24 hours a day 365 days a year on 0800 028 3766 or download the app. Further information on support services is available on the following links :  

  • explore more information on the Counselling and Wellbeing webpages and access resources such as our programme of Wellbeing Masterclasses, which look at topics including Finding Motivation and Overcoming Procrastination, Stress Management and Mindfulness & Relaxation  
  • Our GBV counsellor operates a drop in service in conjunction with the SRC, appointments can be booked via the SRC webpages 
  • All students have access to Togetherall, a safe space online to get things off your chest and learn how to improve and manage your mental health and wellbeing.  
  • Peer Wellbeing Support, a confidential, student-led listening service, where you can speak to trained peers on issues such as anxiety, stress, isolation or loneliness.  
  • Glasgow University Nightline is a confidential listening service operated by students for students.  

The UofG Life app also provides useful links to health and wellbeing resources available to students. With easy access from your mobile, discover more on the services provided by Nightline, Togetherall and the Counselling Service. You can download the app via Apple Store and Google Play. You can also access the app via the University’s app website.

First published: 22 August 2023

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