We have spoken for the need for a collective consensus on this issue. Not just the desire, but the need for representation and intersectionality to champion this movement.
We stand together in our respective groups, and we stand with you to advocate for a better and safer Cardiff for all free from the fear of rape culture.
It is clear that the current systems are not working. You do not need statistics to know that you just need to listen.
The systems in place are not representative of marginalised communities. This is not about ticking boxes of charters but being proactive and engaged with change.
It is about owning up to past failures. Acknowledging wrongdoing and believing survivors who for so long have told you that this is not working.
It is time to right these wrongs, it is time for official statements and apologies, it is time to move away from the victim blaming narrative and complacency- it is time for change.
All victims, survivors or any student for that matter must feel safe within the University which is being lost due to the wilful neglect of the institution in their legal duties of care to students.
The University has a chance to do better, to stand for not just the perfect victim but for every student, to recognise the institutional failings by the investigatory measures in place and to stamp out the increasing rape culture we see as the University continues to fail us.
Every word written in this has come from a place of necessity for you to do better. We need you to hear us Cardiff University, we need you to not be bystanders and be part of the solution. The time is now, students past and present have waited long enough for action and we can’t wait anymore.
We thank each and every one of you for your support and for your kindness with our cause. We are so proud to be part of this Cardiff community, we hope you are too. We look forward to you joining us for change-together.
We all deserved and deserve better. We know it,