We are committed to making our campus a safe, respectful, and inclusive place for everyone. Everyone has the right to feel safe and supported.

We do not tolerate any form of bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, assault, hate, or discrimination.

If you or someone you know has experienced or witnessed something concerning, you can let us know through our Report and Support system. You can share your contact details for us to contact you with support.

Using the system doesn’t mean you’re making a formal complaint. It’s a way to access support and explore your options. However, if your report raises serious safety concerns, we may need to take action to protect you or others—even if you haven’t asked us to.

Any form of harassment, sexual misconduct, or assault is never okay.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is a form of sexual misconduct and includes any unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature that makes someone feel uncomfortable, intimidated, or degraded. Examples include:

• Unwanted sexual comments or jokes

• Inappropriate or intrusive questions about someone’s sex life or body

• Making sexual gestures or noises

• Displaying sexual images in shared spaces (e.g., posters, screensavers)

• Unwanted touching, hugging, or kissing

• Repeatedly staring or leering in a sexual way

• Making someone feel pressured to engage in sexual activity

Sexual Misconduct

Sexual misconduct is a broad term that includes any unwanted or inappropriate sexual behaviour. It can include:

• Making sexually suggestive comments or jokes

• Sharing sexual images or videos without consent (including “revenge porn”)

• Sending unwanted sexual messages (texts, emails, DMs)

• · Repeatedly asking someone out after they’ve said no

• Watching or recording someone in a private act without their knowledge (voyeurism)

• Exposing oneself (indecent exposure)

• Any behaviour that creates a sexually intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment

Sexual Assault and Rape

Rape happens when someone didn't want to have sex or didn't give their consent for sex to happen. Sexual assault refers to many different forms of sexual violence – it is an umbrella term used to describe any sexual activity or act that happened without your consent. These are criminal offences and are taken extremely seriously. They include:

• Sexual Assault: Any sexual touching without consent. This can include:

• Groping or fondling

• Kissing without consent

• Forcing someone to touch another person sexually

• Rape: Penetration of the vagina, anus, or mouth with a penis without consent.

• Attempted Rape or Assault: Trying to commit these acts, even if not completed.

• Consent means agreeing to something freely and clearly. It must be given without pressure, manipulation, or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If someone is asleep or unconscious, they cannot give consent.

If you have been affected by this or need any further information contact Student Welfare: 01284 716319 or report an incident online using our Report and Support system.

If you need to discuss an incident outside of University Studies opening hours, please contact the Student Assistance Programme on 0800 028 3766.

Alternatively for further advice outside of University Studies hours visit:

Rape Crisis England and Wales.

Victim Support.

The National Stalking Helpline

What happens when you report an incident?

The information you are providing will be treated confidentially, not anonymously, meaning we need to know who is involved but this will only be shared and discussed with suitable people. The Student Welfare Team will contact you to discuss the incident. IMPORTANT - Please be aware that we do have a duty to safeguard all our students and as such may have to follow up any responses that raise a safeguarding concern.

You will be able to choose which email address or phone number the advisor contacts you by. Your advisor will explain the next steps and the options available to you. They may offer an appointment to discuss the circumstances and explore the best avenues of support.

If you submit a report but decide you do not want any support or to proceed with a formal complaint, you are not under any obligation to engage with Student Welfare. We would recommend replying to the Student Welfare advisor who contacts you to let them know.

If you wish to report an emergency, you should always call 999 for emergency services.