When group chats become evidence: bystander responsibility and sexual violence

Content warning: This topic may be distressing for survivors of sexual violence. Please take care when reading, listening or sharing.

Recent reporting about the Cornell University case has raised difficult but important questions about sexual violence, group chats, bystander silence and institutional response.

TASS will not repeat graphic details. What matters for us is the wider issue: when harmful behaviour is witnessed, discussed, laughed about or shared digitally, silence can become part of the harm.

Group chats are not separate from real life. Messages, screenshots, images and “jokes” can be part of how abuse is normalised, hidden or exposed. When someone sees something that suggests a person may have been harmed, exploited, assaulted or targeted, there is a responsibility to act safely.

This does not mean sharing content publicly or spreading rumours. It means preserving evidence where safe, seeking advice, reporting to the right safeguarding or legal route, and supporting survivors to be believed and protected.

TASS will be discussing this issue further in a future podcast episode, including:

• consent and intoxication
• group chats and digital evidence
• bystander responsibility
• why survivors may not remember everything clearly straight away
• institutional responses to sexual violence
• what it means to do the right thing when others stay silent

Content warning: This topic may be distressing for survivors of sexual violence. Please take care when reading, listening or sharing.

Phone Down. Eyes Up. Talk More.

We have created a new community awareness poster to encourage parents and carers to stay aware, connected and present when walking or travelling with young children.

This is not about shaming parents. We all use our phones, and sometimes we need them for directions, messages, work, emergencies or safety. But when we are walking with young children, especially near roads, crossings, driveways, buses, bikes and busy pavements, our attention really matters.

Young children rely on adults to help them notice danger, understand what is happening around them, and learn how to move safely through the world. Road safety organisations also highlight that children learn and practise safer travel habits while they are out with adults.

Phone use can also interrupt the small everyday conversations that help children’s language and development. The NHS encourages parents and carers to chat with children during everyday routines because ordinary moments help children learn new words, build sentences and practise conversation.

Research has also found that when caregivers are distracted by smartphones, this can reduce responses to children, reduce conversational turns and affect the quality of parent-child interaction. The NSPCC’s “Look, Say, Sing, Play” campaign also reminds us that simple moments of looking, talking, singing and playing can support children’s brain development and strengthen connection.

The message is simple:

Phone down. Eyes up. Talk more.

Small changes can make a big difference:

• keep your phone in your pocket or bag while walking where possible
• stop somewhere safe before texting or making a call
• talk about what you and your child can see: buses, trees, dogs, colours, shops, people, sounds
• respond when your child points, talks, asks questions or shows interest
• use everyday journeys as chances to connect, teach and build language

A short walk to school, nursery, the shop, the bus stop or the park can become a moment for safety, bonding and learning.

Children notice when we notice them.

At Tambu Ayis Support Service, we understand that parenting, stress and daily life can be overwhelming. This poster is a gentle reminder that connection, attention and everyday conversations can support children’s safety, confidence and development.

Small moments of attention can make a big difference.

✨ A Beautiful Day of Connection, Care and Community ✨

On Saturday, Tambu Ayis Support Service hosted a special community event focused on connection, wellbeing, and creating a safe space for women to come together.

The day was filled with warmth, laughter and meaningful moments. Attendees took part in a range of activities including affirmations, bingo, shared food, and a powerful compliments session that quickly became a highlight of the day. Women uplifted one another, shared kind words, and created an atmosphere of genuine support and positivity.

It was a reminder of how important it is to have spaces where women feel seen, valued and heard — and how impactful simple acts of kindness and connection can be.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Aston Group for their generous funding and support, which made this event possible. Your contribution helped us create a safe and welcoming environment for our community.

A big thank you also goes to every woman who attended and contributed to the beautiful energy of the day. Your presence, openness and encouragement towards one another made the event truly special.

At Tambu Ayis, we remain committed to supporting women’s wellbeing, healing and empowerment — and we look forward to creating more spaces like this in the future.

🌟 Happy New Year from All of Us at Tambu Ayis Support Service! 🌟

As we welcome 2026, we want to take a moment to thank everyone who has supported, worked with, and stood beside us over the past year.

Whether you volunteered your time, attended our workshops, accessed our support services, donated, or simply shared a kind word – your contribution has made a real difference in the lives of the women, families, and communities we serve.

This year, we look forward to building on that work with even more compassion, strength, and unity. We remain committed to standing with survivors, creating safe spaces, and empowering individuals to rebuild, reclaim, and rise.

💜 Here’s to new beginnings, continued healing, and brighter days ahead.
From all of us at Tambu Ayis Support Service – Happy New Year!

#HappyNewYear #TASS #CommunitySupport #Empowerment #2026

@ Tambu Ayis Support Service CIC.  Company Number: 15242244.