Reporting Options

 

If you have experienced sexual misconduct, violence, harassment or a hate incident, there are several options available to you.

You do not have to make a report in order to access support. Many students choose to speak to a member of the Disclosure Response Team (DRT) first so that they can understand the options available before deciding whether they wish to take any further action.

Support is available regardless of whether you choose to make a report.

 

Before Making a Report

We encourage students to speak with a member of the Disclosure Response Team (DRT) before making a report.

A DRT member can:

  • explain the reporting options available;

  • discuss the support available to you;

  • answer questions about University procedures;

  • explain what information may be required; and

  • help you make an informed decision about any next steps.

 

You remain in control of whether you wish to make a formal report.

 

Reporting to the University

Students may make a report where concerns relate to the conduct of a current member of the University community.

 

This may include concerns relating to:

 

  • sexual misconduct;

  • sexual violence;

  • sexual harassment;

  • harassment;

  • stalking;

  • domestic abuse;

  • coercive or controlling behaviour;

  • hate incidents; or

  • other conduct that may breach University policies.

 

Reports to the University are managed through the Student Casework Team in accordance with the relevant University policies and procedures.

A member of the Student Casework Team can explain the process, timescales and what may happen after a report is received.

 

Make a Report

Reporting to the Police

Some incidents may also constitute criminal offences.

You may choose to report an incident to the Police, whether or not you decide to report it to the University.

The University's procedures and a Police investigation are separate processes.

If you are unsure whether you would like to contact the Police, a member of the Disclosure Response Team can discuss the options available and help you access further support.

In an emergency, call 999.

For non-emergency matters, the Police can be contacted on 101.

 

Reporting Concerns About Someone Outside the University

The University understands that experiences of sexual misconduct, violence, harassment and abuse can occur both within and outside the University community.

Support is available regardless of who was responsible for the behaviour.

However, the University's disciplinary procedures can only be used where concerns relate to the conduct of a university member.

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

 

Not Every Disagreement Requires a Formal Report

The University recognises that disagreements and interpersonal difficulties can sometimes occur between students.

Not every disagreement, friendship difficulty or relationship breakdown falls within the scope of the University's harassment or disciplinary procedures.

Examples may include:

 

  • friendship breakdowns;

  • disagreements between housemates;

  • one-off arguments;

  • relationship difficulties where there is no allegation of misconduct; or

  • disputes where individuals have different accounts of events.

 

Where appropriate, students may be directed to alternative support services, accommodation support, wellbeing services or guidance on managing conflict.

If you are unsure whether your concerns are suitable for a formal report, we encourage you to speak to a member of the Disclosure Response Team before deciding how you would like to proceed.

 

What Happens After I Make a Report?

Once a formal report has been received (that is, you have made your disclosure and have received reporting options and have taken the decision to report the matter formally), the Student Casework Team will consider the information provided and determine the most appropriate next steps in accordance with the relevant University policy or procedure.

The University will explain the process that applies to your report and what you can expect. However, there may be limits on the information that can be shared with you about any action taken. This is because the University must comply with confidentiality and data protection requirements and ensure that all individuals are treated fairly throughout the process.

The University will not normally investigate anonymous reports, although information provided anonymously may be used to help identify patterns of behaviour or inform prevention work.

 

Need Support?

You do not have to make a report in order to receive support.

Students can access support from:

If you are unsure what to do, we encourage you to speak to a member of the Disclosure Response Team in the first instance.

 

If you have immediate concerns about your personal safety, you can contact;

University Security on 01248 382795 or 333 from an internal phone

The Police directly on 999 in an emergency or 101 when not an emergency

Ask a member of staff to do this for you.