Huge support for Exeter University campaign featuring David Tennant against sexual harassment

Thousands of people – including actor David Tennant – are rallying behind a new campaign in Exeter to challenge sexual harassment. Celebrities, politicians, students and staff at the University of Exeter have pledged to support the Students' Guild Never Ok campaign – designed to educate people that unwelcome sexual advances are never acceptable. A video produced to support the campaign – featuring Tennant and Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw – has received around 5,000 views in five days. Students reported experiencing sexual harassment ranging from catcalling and wolf whistling to uninvited bodily contact, as well as sexual assault including rape. Molly Flitcroft, 19, president of the university's Feminist Society, said: "Sexual harassment is an incredibly hurtful and under-estimated crime. Victims are often blamed and are left feeling ashamed, humiliated and fearful. It's incredibly normalised to the point women and girls expect harassment, and boys and men don't know their behaviour is criminal." "The worst case I've had at university was when I was dancing with a guy and he became sexually aggressive – grabbing my bum and whispering in my ear that I was going to go home with him." The campaign was launched at the Lemongrove nightclub on Saturday. It is being promoted on campus through events, and on social media with the hashtag #NeverOk.

Sexual harassment is a problem for everyone and it is #NeverOK Watch the video and sign the pledge http://t.co/H2lae3tqZS

— Kathryn Elizabeth (@mettiemetcalfe) October 6, 2014

Rachael Gillies, Guild President, said: "Sexual harassment is not just gender-based; it doesn't always involve alcohol, and it doesn't only take place on nights out. Our students say they have these kind of experiences even when they are walking down the street. It's never ok regardless of gender, where it is and when it is." The Guild is encouraging students and staff at the university to sign a Never OK pledge, and to challenge associated types of behaviours around them.

So proud of the brilliant @ExeterGuild#NeverOK campaign. Sexual Harassment is Never Ok. Join us & Take a stand here http://t.co/VC4DhrjtaY

— Joy Taylor (@joytaylor1202) October 5, 2014

Kate Hawkins, Guild vice president welfare and diversity, said: "The campaign is specifically looking at lower levels of sexual harassment that are becoming too common and too accepted in our society. "We want to educate students about what that constitutes, and to empower them to talk about it and report it. Ultimately we want there to be a cultural shift among young people."

So proud of the brilliant @ExeterGuild#NeverOK campaign. Sexual Harassment is Never Ok. Join us & Take a stand here http://t.co/VC4DhrjtaY

— Joy Taylor (@joytaylor1202) October 5, 2014

Devon and Cornwall Police recently launched a campaign – called No Blurred Lines – to educate and inform people aged 16-37 that sex without consent is rape.