Night-Time A-Z of Consent Arrives in Nottingham

A year after the original A-Z of Consent was put on public transport in Nottingham, a special edition Night-Time edition has now been launched.
The new edition focusses on consent themes that might be seen more at night-time and includes information on Afterparties, Flirting, Groping and Spiking.
The launch includes a tram covered in the new A-Z, letters featured on the backs of six buses and posters in prominent spaces.

26 new consent messages

Nottingham Consent Coalition are proud to launch their new Night-Time Edition of the A-Z of Consent. The new A-Z focuses on 26 consent issues that are more likely to be seen in the night-time and includes a tram and buses featuring the new A-Z, with posters in prominent spaces. Online there is access to many other free resources including posters and social media packs.

The new A-Z does not shy away from challenging conversations. Some of the letters featured on the buses and tram include Outfit – clothes cannot consent – only you can; Spiking – if you have been spiked you are never to blame; and Intervene – because ‘Not all heroes wear capes.’ The vehicles also include search words for the coalition website and social media handles, where the conversation continues online.

The night-time version has been funded with Home Office Safer Streets 4 money secured by the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry. It gave the coalition opportunity to look at some of the letters not covered by the original series. With venues and other night-time activities opening up over the last year, focussing on consent in the Night Time was an obvious choice. It is thought the campaign will not only spark conversations on consent but will also shine a light on the work being done to help make Nottingham a safe night out.

A bus and the tram wrapped in the Night Time A-Z of Consent were unveiled at Wilkinson Street Tram Depot.

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry said “This campaign is big, bold, eye-catching and unashamedly edgy because we want to provoke big conversations that help everyone be clear that sex without consent is rape.

“People might find this a challenging subject to talk about with their loved ones. That’s why this campaign puts the issue front and centre as people travel around Nottingham and helps to give people a starting point to ensure we don’t shy away from conversations about consent.

“With better education comes better behaviour and we hope this campaign will help to prevent sexual violence and ensure there is zero tolerance for perpetrators and more support for survivors.”

The launch of the Night-Time A-Z comes a year after the original A-Z of Consent was put onto public transport. Promoting the campaign in this way led to visits to the Consent Coalition website increasing by over 200% on the previous year. Organisations have also reported that promoting the coalition’s original A-Z has enabled people to approach stalls, get information and is a vital way into support services.

Nottingham City Council, Interim Director of Communities Colin Wilderspin said “I’m pleased to join our partners in supporting this campaign as part of our ongoing commitment to tackling sexual violence. The Night-Time A-Z of Consent, created by sexual violence specialists, builds on the success of last year’s national campaign, looking at consent issues that might arise more often at night, such as flirting, groping and spiking.

“These are issues that it’s important not to shy away from and instead share them in public spaces, so the campaign material that will be seen all around the city on buses and trams is a great way of reaching people with these important messages.

“Consent should be at the heart of all relationships and we continue to hold a zero tolerance stance against sexual violence and abuse, by supporting survivors, challenging perpetrators and educating everyone on the importance of consent.”

Louise Graham, Sexual Violence Lead for the Nottingham Crime and Drugs Partnership and Nottingham Consent Coalition Co-ordinator spoke more about the new campaign.

“What does consent mean? How do we talk about it? Why is it so important?

“These are just some of the questions that are answered in our new Night Time A-Z of Consent campaign, which looks at consent themes that might occur more often at night. This time, we’re talking about how to keep people and their peers safe on a night out, and encouraging positive sexual behaviours that promote respect, equality, and most importantly… consent.

“Our original A-Z of Consent campaign has been shared all over the country, with over 47,000 pageviews on our website and reaching over 2.5 million people on social media. We’re so proud of the Night Time A-Z of Consent and grateful to all our partners who have supported this campaign.”

Superintendent James Woolley, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Sexual offences are some of the most serious crimes we investigate.

“When an allegation is made it is our responsibility as police officers to conduct thorough investigations into what has happened, bringing perpetrators to justice and ensure that victims are supported.

“We understand the results of our investigations will have a very profound impact on the lives of alleged perpetrators and survivors so welcome any initiative that serves to raise awareness, educate and challenge people about what is and isn’t consensual activity.”

Night-Time A-Z of Consent Arrives in Nottingham

26 new consent messages

Links: