Be A Better Human 101
What is the Be A Better Human Campaign?
The Be A Better Human initiative was created with a group of students from the ground up, to reflect campus culture and what we think everyone needs to appreciate – consent, respect and empathy. The campaign is called Be A Better Human (BABH) because it’s not just about what we shouldn’t do; it’s about self-improvement for everyone. And when we say ‘everyone’, we mean students, staff and the community. BABH encourages everyone who is part of the UNE community to take a moment to consider how we can ‘better’ our Behaviour.
What problems does it focus on?
BABH addresses the issues of sexual harassment, sexual assault, rape and rape culture.
Sexual harassment, assault, and rape are all serious forms of violence that have a devastating impact on victims. These forms of assault and harassment are criminal acts in NSW. Rape culture is the social environment in which these forms of violence are normalised, justified and tolerated. It is fuelled by gender inequalities, gender-based violence and attitudes about gender and sexuality.
How can we address these issues?
One way to Be a Better Human is to be an active bystander. An active bystander is someone who, when noticing a concerning situation, does something about it. This could involve intervening to stop the harassment or assault, or simply offering support to the victim.
If you are an active bystander, here are some helpful things you can do:
- Seek safety and privacy. If the victim is in immediate danger, help them to get to a safe place. This could mean taking them to a different room, calling the police, or escorting them home.
- Encourage them to take their time and take what they say seriously. The victim may not be ready to talk about what happened right away. Let them know that you are there for them and that you will listen when they are ready.
- Remember that they want to be heard by you. You don’t have to be an expert to listen. Simply offer your support and let them know that you believe them.
- Acknowledge the courage it has taken for them to disclose to you. It can be difficult for victims to come forward about sexual harassment or assault. Let them know that you are proud of them for speaking up.
- Assist them to get the information they want in order to make the best decision for them. This could include providing them with information about reporting the incident to the police, seeking medical attention, or getting counselling.
- Support them in accessing the medical or emotional support they may want. If the victim wants to see a doctor or therapist, help them to make an appointment. You can also offer to stay with them or drive them to their appointments.
Another way to BABH is to always practice affirmative consent.
Affirmative Consent is when the verbal and physical cues a person is giving you show that they are comfortable, consenting and keen to continue. It’s all about the proactive asking and giving of consent between people. A “no” is still a ‘no’, but the absence of an enthusiastic and ongoing “yes” is a “no” as well.
If someone does something to you that you don’t want, coerces you or does something while you are unable to say no, then that’s non-consensual sex, and sex without consent is considered indecent assault or rape under New South Wales law.
But what does ‘without consent’ really mean? Being bullied, tricked or intimidated with words or violence into having sex or physical contact is coercive control and that’s non-consensual; so is having sex with someone who cannot clearly and freely give consent. This category includes minors (under the age of 16 in NSW, QLD, ACT, NT, OR under the age of 17 if you’re in Tasmania and SA), people who are intoxicated, passed out or asleep, as well as those with a mental impairment that may inhibit them from being fully aware of what they are agreeing to.
Consent is required at any stage of being intimate with someone, whether you’re asking for a dance, a date, a hug or a kiss and at any point in a relationship, whether you’ve just met or you’ve been going steady since the dawn of time.
The most basic thing to remember is that consent is voluntary, enthusiastic, continuous and can be withdrawn at any time before or during sexual activity.
By Being a Better Human, you can help to create a world where sexual harassment, assault, and rape culture are no longer tolerated.
