1. “An online course to help students understand sexual consent and promote positive change in the university community.”

2. Introduction Brook – The Sexual Health and Wellbeing Charity
Consent Matters: Boundaries, Respect and Positive Intervention is a fully interactive and evidence-based  online course covering the areas of sexual consent, communication and relationships, and bystander intervention.
This course explores the nature of sexual consent. It shows students how to seek consent, how to recognise it and how to identify situations where it can’t be given. Using activities, quizzes and relatable character scenarios, it teaches students the importance of good communication, clear boundaries and mutual respect. Within the context of social norm and bystander intervention theory, students will learn how to recognise difficult situations and possible ways of stepping in if others need help.
Course Authors:
Brook – The Sexual Health and Wellbeing Charity
Dr Alan Berkowitz – Independent consultant.

3. Contributors Reviewers: Dr Alan Berkowitz, Independent Consultant
Advisory Panel:
Dr Alan Berkowitz, Independent Consultant
Dr Alison Phipps - Reader in Sociology and Director of the Centre for Gender Studies, University of Sussex
Dr Tanya Palmer - Lecturer in Law, University of Sussex
Susuana Amoah, National Women's Officer (2014–2016), UK National Union of Students
The University of Newcastle, Australia.
Reviewers:
Dr Jacqueline Gray, Associate Professor in Forensic Psychology, Middlesex University
Jack Kilker, Equality Charters Coordinator, Royal Holloway, University of London
Jess Lishak, Women’s Officer, Manchester University Students’ Union
Dave Llewellyn, Founder, Good Lad Initiative
Dr Penny Turnbull, Project Developer - Student Services, University of St Andrews
Lawrence Wilson, Manager of Student Advisory Services, Cardiff Metropolitan University
Carissa Perkins, Student Liaison Officer (Equity), Charles Sturt University

4. About the course Structure: Who is it for? Published: 4th July 2016
60-75 minute online course
Comprised of four modules:
Thinking about consent
Communication skills and relationships
Looking out for others
Support
1 hour of supplementary materials
Who is it for?
1st year students at the start of term/semester
Any student new to the university
Students of all genders
Students of all sexualities
Published: 4th July 2016

5. Overview and content Thinking about consent
Module and Times
Syllabus
Authors/Reviewers
Thinking about consent
10-15 minutes approximately
The consent conversation
Why consent matters
Sex and consent
Consent misconceptions
Consent 101
How consent works in practice
Practice scenario: Alcohol and consent
Author: Brook – The Sexual Health and Wellbeing Charity
Communication skills and relationships
15-20 minutes approximately
Communication and consent
Boundaries
Let’s talk about sex
Stop, Pause, Go
Relationships and respect
Practice scenario: Pressure, communication skills and respect
Author:  Brook – The Sexual Health and Wellbeing Charity
Looking out for others
30 minutes approximately
What’s positive intervention?
Difficult situations
Choosing to step in
Becoming an active bystander
What holds us back?
Different ways of stepping in
Practice scenario: Looking out for others
Author:  Dr Alan Berkowitz
Support
Where to get support
Supporting a friend

6. Course features Animations introducing key topics and issues
Substantial practice scenarios which reinforce positive messages and allow students to reflect on what they have learned, review different perspectives and receive feedback
Links to national support services
Practical advice about ‘Supporting a friend’, including a series of tips and advice in how to handle disclosures from peers
A ‘Consent in the News’ feature introducing key statistics and articles to highlight the context of consent
Student quotes and vox pop animations providing an authentic student perspective into the topic
A range of interactive activities encouraging knowledge checking and reflection

7. Consent in the News feature
What does it look like?
Course welcome screen
Consent in the News feature

8. What does it look like? Example poll activity from module 3
Example animation from module 2

9. The approach
Evidence-based:- the course uses social norms theory and Module 3 is authored by Dr Alan Berkowitz. Poll activities and key figures from prominent and reputable studies and reports.
Positive (not punitive) message
Short screens for easy engagement
Scenario heavy: practice scenarios
Peer voice is included: vox pops, quotes, examples
Personalisation activities:- allow students to positively reflect on their values, what they know and what their priorities are.

10. Support materials for Consent Matters available from: https://epigeum