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Staff Directory Home Student wellbeing Crisis Supporting students affected by sexual violence

Supporting students affected by sexual violence

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. 

Guidance for staff

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.

  • Listen: to what they have to say and let them take their time. Do not ask any detailed questions.
  • Believe: People rarely lie about rape. It is important to believe what the person is saying.
  • Respect: It is important to respect their feelings and decisions.
  • Recognise: The courage it takes for a person to speak must be recognised and praised.
  • Don’t judge: It is important to be accepting of the way in which the person reacts, even if this is not want you expected.
  • Remember: It is not their fault. 

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 a student is in need of immediate help

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 Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity ServiceStudent Wellbeing and Inclusivity ServiceStudent Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service. The student does not have to report this incident if they do not want to but let them know that the University has a zero-tolerance approach, and any report will be taken seriously.

Specialist staff

Out of hours

Colchester Campus

Southend Campus

Office hours

Colchester Campus

Southend Campus

Loughton Campus

External support

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.

  • University of Essex
  • Wivenhoe Park
  • Colchester CO4 3SQ

 

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