Preventing sexual misconduct and violence is a community responsibility, not the responsibility of the person subjected to sexual violence. The RVC provides training programmes for students and staff focuses on understanding what sexual violence is, how to intervene, and how to respond.  

For students

Consent, communication and relationships and bystander intervention (sign-in needed) (elearning)

All RVC students have access to a ‘Consent Matters’ module. Consent Matters is a concise and accessible online course that provides interactive, evidence-based training in sexual consent, communication and relationships, and bystander intervention. The module is offered to students as part of induction in KickStart and is also can be accessed by all students through the RVC app.

Grey Area

All new students will be asked to attend the interactive workshop ‘Grey Area’s as part of Welcome Week. ‘Grey Area’ is a theatre workshop using professional actors and specialist facilitators to explore key issues around consent and sexual assault. There is a post-performance discussion to explore many of the wider and complex themes and so called ‘grey areas’ around consent, sexual assault and rape.    

Advice Centre staff are on-hand to support students as needed.  (LiInk to induction calendar)

Active Bystander Training

All students and staff will be able to take part in Active Bystander training provided by RVC staff to  help participants to  empathise with others regarding the impact of these issues; to equip participants to be able to identify problematic situations (focusing on consent, coercion and control) and intervene appropriately; and to empower participants by encouraging them to consider their role in shaping their community.  

Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence (e learning)

The aim of this self-paced online course is to equip staff and student leaders to respond appropriately to disclosures of sexual violence. The course can be accessed here (sign-in required)    

For staff

Understanding and Confronting Sexual Harassment at Work (elearning)

The aim of this training is to enhance participants' understanding of sexual harassment in the workplace, its causes, and its profound impact on individuals and organisations. By exploring the dynamics of such behaviour and its consequences, the training seeks to empower attendees with practical strategies to intervene effectively as bystanders, support victims, and challenge unacceptable conduct. The course aims to foster a culture of respect and accountability, equipping participants with the knowledge and confidence to confront and prevent sexual harassment in their workplace. [link needed]  

Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence (e learning)

The aim of this self-paced online course is to equip staff and student leaders to respond appropriately to disclosures of sexual violence. The course can be accessed here (sign-in required)  

Active Bystander Training

All students and staff will be able to take part in Active Bystander training provided by RVC staff to help participants to empathise with others regarding the impact of these issues; to equip participants to be able to identify problematic situations (focusing on consent, coercion and control) and intervene appropriately; and to empower participants by encouraging them to consider their role in shaping their community.

Additional resources for staff can be found in the Supporting Student Toolkit including:

·       Sexual Violence Care pathway

·       Responding to disclosures of sexual violence guide