Sexual Misconduct, Violence and Harassment

Bangor University is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful environment where all students, staff and visitors are treated with dignity and respect. We do not tolerate sexual misconduct, violence, harassment, hate incidents, abuse, stalking, coercive or controlling behaviour, or other forms of inappropriate conduct within our University community.

If you have experienced, witnessed, or been affected by any of these behaviours, support is available.

Need Support or Want to Talk to Someone?

You do not need to make a formal report in order to access support. You can speak to:

If you are unsure who to contact, you can also use the Student Casework Helpdesk (by emailing studentcases@bangor.ac.uk) and your enquiry will be directed to an appropriate Disclosure Response Team member.

What is a Disclosure?

A disclosure is when you tell the University about an experience of sexual misconduct, violence, harassment, abuse, stalking, domestic abuse, hate-related behaviour or other inappropriate conduct.

Making a disclosure does not automatically mean that you are making a formal report or asking the University to investigate. Many people choose to make a disclosure because they want:

  • support;
  • information;
  • advice;
  • adjustments to their studies;
  • to understand what options are available to them.

You can decide how much information you would like to share and whether you wish to take any further steps.

How Can I Make a Disclosure?

You can make a disclosure in whichever way feels most comfortable for you. You may choose to:

  • speak directly with a member of the Disclosure Response Team (DRT);
  • talk to a member of the Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service;
  • speak with a Student Success Adviser;
  • speak with a Personal Tutor, Senior Tutor or another trusted member of staff; or
  • contact the Student Casework Helpdesk and request support from a DRT member.

You do not need to make a formal report in order to make a disclosure or access support.

What Happens When I Make a Disclosure?

If you choose to make a disclosure to a member of the Disclosure Response Team (DRT), a member of the Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service, your Student Success Adviser, or another member of University staff, they will listen to your concerns and discuss the support available to you.

They can explain what a disclosure is, answer any immediate questions you may have, and help you understand the options available to you. Making a disclosure does not mean that you are making a formal report and you will not normally be expected to decide immediately what, if any, action you wish to take.

Following the disclosure, the member of staff will share the information with the Student Casework Team. A member of the Student Casework Team will then contact you to ensure that you are aware of the reporting options available, should you wish to explore these further. They can also answer any questions you may have about the University's procedures.

Making a disclosure does not oblige you to make a formal report or pursue any further action.

The Disclosure Response Team

The Disclosure Response Team (DRT) is a network of specially trained staff from across the University who can receive disclosures from students who have experienced sexual misconduct, violence, harassment or hate incidents.

A DRT member can:

  • listen without judgement;
  • explain available support;
  • discuss reporting options;
  • help you understand University procedures;
  • signpost you to specialist services; and
  • help you access support within the University.

You can contact a DRT member directly or ask to be connected with one through the Student Casework Helpdesk.

Find out more about the Disclosure Response Team.

Reporting Conduct

The University can only consider reports where concerns relate to the conduct of current university members. However, support is available from our Wellbeing and Inclusivity Serivce regardless of who was responsible for the behaviour.

Where the reported person is not a member of the University community, the University are not able to investigate or take disciplinary action. In these circumstances, a DRT member can still provide support and discuss other reporting options that may be available.

What Can Be Reported?

The University can consider concerns relating to behaviour such as:

  • sexual misconduct;
  • sexual violence;
  • sexual harassment;
  • stalking;
  • domestic abuse;
  • coercive or controlling behaviour;
  • harassment;
  • hate incidents; and
  • other conduct that may breach University policies.

Not Every Disagreement is Harassment

The University recognises that disagreements, interpersonal conflict and relationship difficulties can sometimes occur between students. Not every dispute or breakdown in relationships will meet the definition of harassment or misconduct under University procedures.

Examples may include:

  • friendship breakdowns;
  • disagreements between housemates;
  • one-off arguments;
  • relationship difficulties where there is no allegation of misconduct;
  • disputes where individuals have different accounts of events.

Where appropriate, students may be directed to alternative guidance, support services, accommodation support or conflict-management resources.

If you are unsure whether your experience falls within this process, we encourage you to speak to a DRT member who can discuss your situation and available options.

Emergencies

If you are in immediate danger or require urgent assistance, contact the emergency services by calling 999.

If an incident may constitute a criminal offence, you may also wish to contact the Police. A DRT member can help you understand the support and reporting options available to you. When it is not emergency, the police can be contacted on 101.