Sexual Violence & Harassment Support: Staff

You can submit a report to tell us about an incident of sexual violence or harassment. 

This can be an incident that affected you, a colleague or a student.

A member of the Equality & Diversity Unit will initially review each report.

If you would prefer to speak to someone, you can contact your local People & OD team. 

Report an incident that affected you or a colleague 

Report an incident that affected a student

Definitions of sexual violence

Sexual violence is defined as: "any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or advances, or acts to traffic, or otherwise directed, against a person’s sexuality using coercion, by any person regardless of their relationship to the victim, in any setting, including but not limited to home and work" (World Health Organisation).

• Further definitions relating to sexual violence

If a student is a survivor of sexual violence, you can be an important source of support.

What you can do:

• To respond effectively to a disclosure of sexual violence, you should provide a safe space that empowers the survivor to access what they need.
• Let the survivor take the lead- it is important that they are in control.
• Refer the survivor to sources of professional support.
• Look after yourself too.

Things to remember:

• It is important not to be judgemental, show disbelief or 'victim blame'. Don't probe for details, and don't try to take control.
• Don't push them into making decisions such as reporting to the police if they don't want to.
• Don't try to fix the problem, just show that you believe the survivor and ask them what they want to happen.
• Don't cast doubt on the disclosure. Less than 3% of sexual violence allegations are proven to be false.

Guidance if you receive a report

Guidance on what to do if you receive a report of sexual violence or harassment:

• From a member of staff
• From a student

Responding to a report of GBV

Kelly Archer, Safeguarding Manager, explains how you can support a student who has reported an incident.

University policies

• Equality & Diversity Unit: Dignity at Work & Study Policy
• Personal relationships policy