Unblurred Lines

Unblurred Lines Graphic: text unblurred lines, with two lines cut through text

Unblurred Lines is a discussion-based course on topics around sex, consent, sexual violence and relationships. It’s all about empowering students with the knowledge to challenge behaviours around sex and consent. It’s not a lecture, and doesn’t blame or shame anyone, instead it’s a safe space for students to explore difficult grey areas, ask questions and discuss in an open honest environment.

Unblurred lines has been developed by Stacey Maher, one of our highly experienced Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Specialists. Stacey works with boys and young men on a 1-1 basis, using a trauma informed and therapeutic approach to help empower and support them to move forward in their lives following their experiences of trauma and abuse. Using her wealth of experience she has developed a programme aimed at all genders that will be a safe and informative space for all students.

Why is it important?

1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. 1 in 5 female victims of sexual assault are students. 1 in 6 men and boys will experience sexual violence in their lives.

 

1 in 3 women and girls experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime (Kirkman, et al. 2020).

1 in 5 female victims of sexual assault are students (Hales & Gannon, 2021).

1 in 6 men and boys will experience sexual violence in their lifetime (Foster, 2017, 1in6, 2022).

 

Sexual violence can have long-term physical and psychological effects (Hales & Gannon, 2021).

What to expect from the sessions?

The course will be split into two 1.5 hour sessions covering a range of topics. At the start of each session the session leader will work with the students to set ground rules and make sure everyone is comfortable with the group. Throughout the session there will be trigger warnings so that students are prepared for the content to come and can leave at any time if they feel uncomfortable.

Session one will cover:

  • Consent
  • Sexual violence
  • Exploring scenarios and unblurring lines
  • Rape myths and victim blaming

Session two will cover:

  • Rape culture
  • Gender Norms
  • Sexual objectification, porn and the media

Who is this course for?

Although we recognise that sexual violence crimes disproportionately affect women and girls and the perpetrators of these crimes are often men, we recognise that regardless of a person’s sex, sexuality or gender identity, any person can experience sexual violence and any person can perpetrate it. Therefore, the discussion groups aim to discuss the nuances of sexual violence inclusive of sex, gender identity, sexuality, and ethnicity.

Getting Support

If you feel you need support after visiting this page, or after attending the Unblurred Lines course, below are a list of helplines and websites

West Yorkshire Survivors

Survivors West Yorkshire | The Survivors Trust

Male Advice line: 07393 140 250​

Male Advice Text: 07393 140 259​

Email Adviceops@survivorwestyorkshire.org.uk

Go to West Yorkshire Survivors website
Rape Crisis

Rape Crisis England

Live Chat: https://rapecrisis.org.uk/

National Helpline​: 0808 802 9999

Go to Rape Crisis website

 

Victim Support

Victim Support

24/7 National Support Line:​ 08 08 16 89 111​

24/7 live chat on their website:​ www.victimsupport.org.uk​

West Yorkshire Victim Support Hub: 0300 303 1971

Go to Victim Support website
Basis

Basis YorkshireCall us on 0113 243 0036 or message us on social media

: @basisyorkshire : @BasisYorkshire1 : @basisyorkshire

Resources

If you’ve attend the course, or are considering attending, and want to read more about the topics discussed you can check out some resources by clicking the links below:

Unblurred Lines References

Student Follow-Up Booklet

As this course is currently under development, we’ll be adding resources for your use when we are able to.