Elections Coverage – Mental health and sexual violence

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]s the first day of hustings came to a close on Monday afternoon it became clear that two topics were at the forefront of the candidates’ minds; sexual violence and mental health.

Yet this was not the first time these issues had come to light. A glance at any of the four Welfare Officers’ manifestos shows a clear focus being placed these issues in particular. But why is it that these issues are now being placed in the public spotlight? Why is this year any different from previous years?

Arguably, it’s because Warwick students are finally being heard. It cannot be denied that the issues of student mental health and sexual assault within universities has been boiling under the surface, with around 10% of university students currently seeking counselling services across the country.

It became clear that two topics were at the forefront of the candidates’ minds; sexual violence and mental health.

Whilst this may seem like a statistically small number, it must be considered that the issue of mental  and physical health within university is very much an ‘iceberg’ issue, with only a small proportion of total sufferers actively seeking assistance and visible to support services.

In reality, sufferers of sexual violence and depression often remain silent, and it is this silent collective that the Welfare officers seem keen in particular to address. In particular, increased pastoral training for personal tutors, as well as greater propagation and support of platforms such as the “I <3 Consent” campaigns, which help to increase visibility and awareness of these issues.

It must be considered that the issue of mental  and physical health within university is very much an ‘iceberg’ issue

Yet despite this optimism, it would be a great surprise if much were to come of all this fervour. Elections lend themselves to grandiose promises and overreaching ambition, but in reality little is likely to change.

A few more workshops and a few positive posters will do little to comfort those in pain, nor encourage rapists to take a long, hard look at themselves and their actions. The problems faced by the modern young adult are complex and, as such, difficult to address in one fell swoop.

The problems faced by the modern young adult are complex and, as such, difficult to address in one fell swoop.

It is hard to envision this year as the watershed moment for the mental and physical wellbeing of university students. Yet it’s the small victories that count, and the simple fact that candidates are willing to confront mental health and sexual violence head rather than brushing it under the rug on that matters.

This election will not serve as a paradigm shift, but perhaps it can be the start of a long road towards greater acknowledgement of the issues of mental health and sexual assault, and that is something to positive about.