FESTIVALGOERS are being encouraged once again to have important conversations about consent as Reading Festival approaches this week.
As part of the force’s work tackling sexual offences and addressing Violence Against Women and Girls, Thames Valley Police officers will be joining partners and volunteers to spark conversations about consent.
It follows the official launch of the Consent Conversations campaign alongside campaigner and television personality Georgia Harrison at Reading Festival in 2024.
At last year’s event, Thames Valley Police had conversations with more than 3,500 people about consent.
Consent is important to everybody because anyone can be a victim of sexual abuse, assault or harassment.
Everyone has the right to choose when it comes to consent. Consent is ongoing and can be conditional.
T/Superintendent and Strategic Lead for Violence against Women and Girls (VaWG) for West Yorkshire Police, James Kitchen, said: “We are proud to be bringing Consent Conversations to Leeds Festival for the first time this year, building on the success of the campaign at Reading Festival.
“The campaign creates a space for open, honest and judgment-free discussions about consent.”
“Leeds Festival is a fantastic opportunity to engage directly with young people and encourage conversations that can help prevent harm, challenge harmful behaviours and support our wider commitment to tackling violence against women and girls.”
Detective Chief Inspector Laura Corscadden, of Thames Valley Police, said: “We know that it’s not always easy to get young people talking about the topic of consent, but it’s so important as we find there are many misconceptions about consent and what the withdrawal of consent means.
“Our Consent Conversations campaign has been really successful at Reading Festival previously. We find that our prompt cards and informal approach get young people talking openly about the topic. Consent is rarely black and white, and we want to discuss and educate people around the grey areas.
“We’re looking forwarded to replicating this again this year, alongside our colleagues at West Yorkshire Police at Leeds Festival, and hope to spark more valuable discussions about consent up and down the country.”
f you’ve been a victim of a sexual offence, you can report to the police by calling 101 or you can contact a local support service.
Full details of Thames Valley Police’s support is available via: thamesvalley.police.uk
