Content warning: Sexual assault, violence
Love them or loathe them, nightclubs and drinking culture are fundamental elements of the
university experience. From the insufferable hangovers endured during lectures to holding on in
seminars during group discussions; even if you donÔÇÖt go to nightclubs, they act as spaces
tailored for young people to mingle and make new memories. The inescapable culture of
clubbing has eternalised the position of nightclubs at the epicentre of student living, significantly
appealing to students with disposable student finance to invest in different venues through
drinks and tickets. But unfortunately for many students, not every night leaves them with the
happy memories and experiences that they want to remember in the future. Specifically, sexual
assault at nightclubs can leave you feeling anything from confused to terrified to leave your
bedroom for a week.
A shocking 62% of students experience sexual violence in the UK whilst studying in higher
education: only 6% of students report these incidents to their university. The environments
where these incidents occur are scarcely considered in discussions of care, well-being, and
reform of the levels of support currently being provided. How can nightclubs be rebuilt as
spheres of safety and inclusion, rather than fear-mongering and hostility? And how can Cardiff
lead in instigating this reconstitution?
Undoubtedly, recognising the support available is only the first step; actively seeking this help
when you need it can feel demonised. Why force yourself to relive and exacerbate a painful
experience if you think the idea of change is disillusionment? Unfortunately, it is far harder to
report something and raise awareness of an issue if you donÔÇÖt believe anything will arise
because of it ÔÇö I write this as someone who was too scared to leave their flat for five days after
being sexually assaulted in a nightclub. One great evening revered with friends hastily became
destroyed through the verminous acts of a person who thought they had the power to redefine
what previously felt like a safe space. The aftershock of a heinous act can cause visceral
suffering, but sometimes the recollection and rebuilding of your confidence can feel even more
discerning.
Rethinking sexual assault as a discouraged practice can appear irreconcilable, but reporting
incidents to appropriate university representatives is pivotal in enacting systemic change in
university environments, culture and student well-being.
National Union of Students encourages greater interactivity between campuses and educational
resources on sexual violence, integrating open spheres for discussions as the norm to override
the toxic shaming culture in which many students feel berated. A heavyweight power in
undermining the insidious routine of sexual assault for young people is in creating sustainable
frameworks for students to report incidents and gain support. In doing so, campuses can help to
exterminate the cultivation of sexual assault on campus and make the well-being of students
salient at the heart of both their academics and community.
There is no more important focus at university than making sure you are happy and healthy. It is
pertinent to prioritise and protect your well-being: if something unsafe happens to you, there are
sites of support always available to listen and comfort you. Sexual assault shouldnÔÇÖt remain a
tacit conversation topic among friends months after the incident occurs, and it certainly shouldnÔÇÖt
appear that your integrity is being undermined when you report events afterwards. ItÔÇÖs a
tumultuous, terror-inducing and tyrannous road to restructuring the culture of nightclubs and
assault. The only way to dismantle this standard and reclaim nightclubs as vibrant venues for
celebration is to demand recognition (when possible) for this behaviour to university officials
who can make a difference.
Today, I finally reported my assault: I hope youÔÇÖll join me in reclaiming student spaces.
Support provided by Cardiff University Students Union can be found here.
Sources:
https://www.nus.org.uk/articles/sexual-violence-ndas-and-relationship-abuse
https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-informed/statistics-sexual-violence/