Womens’ Issues

Safety

As women, we may feel more at risk from violent crimes, but this should not have to limit us. By taking a few simple precautions, we should be and feel safer:

A lot of women (and men!) recommend attending self-defence and assertiveness classes. Contact UBU support at the Union’s Student Advice Centre for details of courses on offer.
The University’s security staff are available 24 hours a day in an emergency. If you see anything suspicious or need help: Tel. 0117 9303663 or Police (general Bristol number) 0117 9267410.

Safety on the street:

Never cross the Downs alone at night; it is not safe.
Always carry an attack alarm in your hand. A rapist will not stop while you fish it out of your bag. Alarms are free from the UBU welfare officer (http://www.ubu.org.uk/support ) and Royal Fort Lodge, so there’s no excuse not to have one.
Keep enough money for a taxi fare home.
If you run out of cash, Swiftline Taxis will take you home in exchange for a valid NUS card. You can pay them the next day.
Remember the Women’s minibus takes you free to your door. It leaves the library at 11 and the Union at 11.15 every night.
Always work out your route beforehand. Walk confidently in the centre of the pavement.
Avoid dimly lit areas and isolated bus-stops.
Always face oncoming traffic.
Be alert – don’t listen to a personal stereo as you walk.
Don’t carry more money/credit cards than you need to.
If your bag is snatched remember you are more important. Let it go then get help.
If you are in the library or on public transport late at night make sure you sit near other women.
Make sure you have your door key in your hand as you approach your home. Never stop in the street to find it.
Ask taxi drivers to wait until you are safely indoors. Always pay them inside the cab.

Finally, IF you think you are being followed:

Trust your instinct and act immediately.
Cross over the road and see if your assailant does the same.
Keep moving in well-lit areas with your attack alarm in your hand ready until you come to a busy place, then walk up to the nearest woman and ask for help.
Alternatively, telephone the police.

Safety in Hall:

Don’t leave the door of your room open late at night – people often come back drunk from pubs and clubs.
If it’s late and someone knocks on your door, make sure you know who it is before you open it.
If you don’t want to open the door, say so clearly and confidently.
If people are mucking around in the corridor late at night, make sure you know who they are before going outside and put on a dressing gown first. If they are strangers then don’t go outside – it may not be safe.
If you see anyone acting suspiciously in hall don’t challenge them. Go straight to your floor tutor or senior resident.
Draw your curtains at night and don’t leave your windows open – particularly if you are on the ground floor.
When answering a hall telephone, never reveal information about yourself to a stranger. Ask wrong numbers to repeat the number they require.
If you receive obscene phone calls put the phone down immediately.
Don’t say anything – a reaction is what they wanted. Then tell your floor tutor or senior resident.
Finally, if you’re cooking late at night, Take either a friend or an attack alarm with you. Don’t go into the kitchens alone. They are often away from living accommodation.

The Women’s Minibus:

This is a great service provided by the Union – definitely make the most of it! It’s a free service collecting from the main library, on Tyndalls Avenue (11pm) and the Union (11.15pm Mon-Sat and 11pm Sun) to take you home (door to door).

Women’s Room:

The Union building has a women’s room on the 3rd floor, opposite the General Secretary’s office. It contains useful leaflets and information and may be used as a quiet place to study.

Women’s Health:

As a woman, you are entitled to ask for a female doctor at the Student Health Service or at your local practitioners. Women can get specialist information, concerning problems like breast examination and cervical smears, either from their GP or the Bristol Women’s Centre (Basement, Greenleaf Bookshop, Colston Street, Bristol; Open Mon-Wed, 10am-1pm).

If you have any symptoms of cystitis (stinging or burning pain on passing urine, urgency, lower abdominal pain or dark urine, which may contain blood); or thrush (involves the vagina and vulva causing itching, a thick white vaginal discharge and sometimes soreness and pain on passing urine) or anything else that worries you, don’t hesitate in going to see your doctor.

Pregnancy: If you’re not planning to get pregnant, do remember all you’ve been told about contraception. Never have unprotected sex with your fingers crossed, it doesn’t work! If you think you could be pregnant (i.e. you’ve missed a period) do not wait around. Be sure you consult your doctor immediately or do a home pregnancy test (these can be bought from most chemists).

If you’re in a sexual relationship with a man, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor about the most suitable method of contraception. Contraception is FREE and easy to pick up from the Student Health Service or one of the Family Planning Clinics in this area.

Emergency Contraception: If you have had unprotected sex, there is the option of the morning after pill. It must be taken within three days to be effective. You take 2 pills whilst at the clinic and 2 twelve hours later. Some people experience some nausea and vomiting. Please remember that this is an emergency measure only and should not be used every time you have sexual intercourse. An I.U.C.D. can be fitted up to 5 days after intercourse.

Useful numbers should you need further information include:

Student Health Service: 0117 330 2720, Hampton House, St Michael’s Hill
Brook Advisory Centre: 1, Unity Street, Tel. 0117 9290090.
Bristol Sexual Health, Central Health Clinic, Bristol, Tel. 0117 342 6900. For advice phone 0117 342 6944 [Link]
Contraception Education Service Helpline 0845 310 1334, [Link]
Clifton Clinic: 11 Mortimer Road, Clifton, Tel. 0117 9735425.

Bristol Community Projects for Women

Health Drop in Centre for Asian Women – Sikh Resource Centre, 114, St. Marks Road, Easton, Bristol. Open Tuesday 10am-12.30pm. Tel. 9519500.
Information and Drop in Services – 6 West Street, Old Market, St. Phillips. Includes medical herbalist, counselling service and therapy group. Open Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10am-12.30pm. Tel. 9413311. Minicom 9411442.

Women in Medicine

There are several organisations which exist to promote equal opportunities in medicine. These have been formed in light of the fact that, at present, over 50% of medical entrants are female. Membership of such organisations is said to be beneficial since you find support and information and get the opportunity to meet women further up the career ladder, in an informal setting.

Women in Medicine (WIN).
21 Wallingford Avenue, London, W10 6QA.
Medical Women’s Federation (MWF).
MWF campaigns for equal opportunities for women, both as doctors and patients, representing their interests to government and national bodies. MWF through its local associations provides practical and personal help and advice. Financial assistance is available to mature medical students in need, through grants and benevolent funds and there are also grants available for elective costs. For further details contact: MWF, Tavistock House North, Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9HX. Tel. 0171 3877765.
Women in Surgical Training (WIST).
This is a regional representatives’ network, made up of men and women (mainly at consultant level), who act on behalf of the WIST committee. They act as contacts for women wishing to discuss training and will put women in contact with others in similar jobs and with similar aspirations. All women considering a career in surgery are welcome to join. For a registration form, please contact : WIST, The Royal College of Surgeons of England, 35-43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PN. Tel. 0171 3126657. e-mail wist@reserg.ac.uk