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Calls for action over drunken sexual harassment
Drinkaware is helping students take a stand against drunken sexual harassment with a new campaign, titled “You wouldn’t sober, you shouldn’t drunk”.
Students have called for action against drunken sexual harassment
The campaign was launched this week following research carried out by ICM for the alcohol charity Drinkaware revealed almost three quarters (73%) of students think universities should take disciplinary action against inflictors of drunken sexual harassment.
More than half (61%) also want to see their universities campaign against sexual harassment while drunk, with 56% calling for counselling for those affected.
Further statistics revealed that more than half of female students (54%) and one in seven male students (14%) had been subjected to inappropriate sexual comments, abuse or inappropriate sexual touching on a night out in the last 12 months while at university.
Not only that, but 43% of those who experienced drunken sexual harassment said it happens nearly every time they go out and the emotional impact left them feeling disgusted (64%), angry (54%), and afraid (38%).
Now, Drinkaware has launched its campaign featuring BBC Radio 1Extra DJ Mistajam in cinemas in the North West of England, and is calling for supporters to join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #GropeFreeNights.
“Students have told us that drunken sexual harassment is a common and unwelcome part of a night out, yet they don’t feel empowered to stand up to it,” said Elaine Hindal, chief executive of alcohol education charity Drinkaware. “Touching another person in a sexual way without their consent is legally defined as sexual assault.
“It’s a criminal offence and being drunk is no excuse for it.
“Universities are well placed to support students who have experienced unwanted sexual attention and to campaign against it but students are still more likely to tell a friend than anyone in authority.
“That’s why we’re encouraging universities and young adults to reinforce the message that if a behaviour isn’t acceptable sober, it isn’t acceptable drunk.”