Campaigners fighting against sexual violence at Cardiff University are committed to ensuring that the institution is held accountable after claiming they were laughed at by male employees during a staff meeting. The campaign group Time to Act is advocating changes in university procedures following reports from students of sexual misconduct. Among their demands is an extension of the 28-day window in which sexual misconduct must be reported.
Co-founder Becca Rumsey stated the need for better support for victims, highlighting the fact that she was left unsupported when she came to university after being the victim of sexual harassment and assault. The group also called on the university to provide clearer definitions of sexual harassment and misconduct, accompanied by training in consent and bystander intervention for staff.
The campaign has attracted high-profile support from the Welsh Equality Party, lawyer Dr. Charlotte Proudman and Patsy Stevenson. At a general meeting of the students’ union, more than 500 students voted unanimously to support the campaign against sexual misconduct.
Cardiff University has responded to these demands by stating that it takes sexual assault allegations seriously and has a zero-tolerance approach to such behavior. The institution has promised to investigate reports of sexual violence comprehensively and to provide adequate support to victims.
While the university maintains that it has successfully supported students who have suffered sexual violence, Time to Act is calling for an apology from the institution, stating that it has failed students who have come forward. They are also calling for more transparency around the investigation process and for measures to be put in place to prevent such incidents from happening.
The campaign is part of a wider movement to curb sexual violence on campus throughout the UK. While universities maintain that they take such claims seriously, campaigners argue that more needs to be done to support survivors and to create environments that do not tolerate or normalize sexual violence
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