The University does not tolerate any acts of sexual violence, harassment, or hate crime. Zero tolerance means that we will take action and the action will be proportionate to the circumstances of the case.
If a student has experienced sexual violence there is help available from the University and externally.
Support for students who have experienced sexual abuse is a specialist matter, and it is not expected that non-specialist staff provide this sort of support. It is possible, however, that a student who has experienced sexual abuse or harassment may decide to disclose it to any member of staff. This guidance is to help staff who may need to have such a conversation and refer the student on for more specialist support elsewhere.
All staff, students and visitors to our campus can report something anonymously or get support from an adviser. Staff may also wish to refer to the staff guide on helping distressed students (.pdf)
If the student is in physical danger or in need of immediate medical attention, call the emergency services on 999, or if you are on campus, please follow the guidance available about emergency contacts.
You should encourage the student to make contact with specialist staff at the University, including the
If the student does not want to speak to a staff member at the University, encourage them to speak to:
They can report the incident to the police if they wish to do so. Explain that they can get support from the University, Oakwood Place and CARA without reporting to the police, but they can report at a later stage if they wish to do so.