The statistics that have been released in relation to sexual violence at Cardiff University are truly harrowing, as an institution it is evident that there has been complicity and a lack of action. The statistics, which show that 0.3% of reports have resulted in an expulsion or suspension, are distressing to students across Cardiff University, and are particularly damaging to survivors and ideas of survivorship.
If the statistics weren’t debilitating enough for students and survivors, the university’s response has only worsened the situation. The university claim to be looking to ‘find ways to improve’ and yet did not manage to apologise to victims in their response once. For survivors this is the bleak reality, a lack of acknowledgement, responsibility or action by the institution which is incredibly harmful. With survivors not feeling able to come forward and the downplay of the severity of the situation, it is evident why students feel angry and neglected by these statistics.
Within the university’s response, there is mention of their work with South Wales Police, although this is in relation to the University and not the Student’s Union, it is critical that we do not diminish the student voice from the 2022 AGM; in which students overwhelmingly voted to have a bare minimum police presence on campus, via the ‘Cops Off Campus’ motion. This is not to say that all students or survivors do not want to interact with police, however many students feel unsafe with police presence – events such as Sarah Everard’s murder in 2021 as well as South Wales Police’s crimes including the substantial records of violence against women, police brutality, racism and corruption over several decades. Those from marginalised communities, who are disproportionally impacted by sexual violence, oftentimes do not feel comfortable engaging with the police and thus the university’s response is wildly unhelpful for many as well as dismissive.
Those from marginalised communities, who are disproportionally impacted by sexual violence,
However, despite the university’s lack of action, as seen with the statistics, we must not dismiss the incredible work of students – especially that of third-year Law student, Hannah Norman. Hannah set up the Student Led Service, Stronger Together which supports survivors in collaboration with Cardiff Women’s Aid. Holding weekly meetings, the Stronger Together committee provide space sessions on a range of topics relating to sexual violence.
The safe space provides survivors a supportive environment to share their stories, obtain support and find resources as well as providing others a space to learn how to support friends and family. Stronger Together run weekly sessions 3-5pm on Thursdays in the Student’s Union.
There is so much more to be done, and we are disappointed that students and survivors have had to take it upon themselves to create accessible spaces, instead of the university providing genuine support.