It Has Happened to Someone I Know
If somebody has told you that they have experienced sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, sexual violence or sexual assault, they may be placing a great deal of trust in you.
You do not need to have all the answers.
Simply listening, believing them and helping them access support can make a significant difference.
If Someone Has Told You About Their Experience
People respond to experiences of sexual misconduct in different ways.
Some people may want to talk immediately, whilst others may wait weeks, months or even years before telling someone.
They may appear:
- upset
- distressed
- angry
- confused
- withdrawn
- anxious
- calm or matter-of-fact
There is no "right" way to respond to trauma.
What Can You Do?
Listen
Allow them to talk at their own pace.
Try not to interrupt or ask lots of detailed questions.
Take Them Seriously
Experiences of sexual misconduct can have a significant impact on a person's wellbeing, confidence and sense of safety.
A supportive response can make a meaningful difference.
Reassure Them
You might say:
- "Thank you for telling me."
- "I'm sorry this happened to you."
- "I believe you."
- "You don't have to deal with this alone."
Do Not Investigate
You do not need to establish exactly what happened or determine whether University policies have been breached.
Avoid asking detailed questions or attempting to gather evidence.
Explain Support Options
Encourage the person to access support and discuss the options available to them.
You can help them explore:
- University support services
- safeguarding support
- specialist support organisations
- reporting options
When Should I Raise a Concern?
You should consider raising a concern if:
- the individual asks for help
- you are worried about their safety
- there are safeguarding concerns
- there is a risk of harm to themselves or others
- they appear unable to access support independently
- there are concerns regarding ongoing abuse, exploitation or coercion
Report a Concern
If you are worried about somebody, you can submit a concern through the University's Report + Support system.
This may be appropriate where:
- the individual wishes to receive support
- you are concerned about their welfare
- safeguarding intervention may be required
- urgent support may be needed
Anonymous Reporting
If you do not feel comfortable identifying yourself, you can submit an anonymous report.
Anonymous reports help the University identify patterns, trends and emerging concerns and may assist where multiple reports are received regarding the same behaviour, location or individual.
Immediate Risk
If somebody is at immediate risk of harm, requires urgent medical attention, or a crime is in progress:
Call 999
Do not wait for a report to be reviewed.
Support Available
Support is available for both students and staff.
Students
Students may be able to access support through:
- Student Life
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Services
- Safeguarding Services
- Disability and Inclusion Support
Staff
Staff may be able to access support through:
- Line Managers
- Human Resources
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Occupational Health Services
- Safeguarding Services
Specialist Support
There are a range of specialist organisations that support people affected by sexual violence, abuse and harassment.
These include:
- Black Country Women's Aid
- Rape Crisis England & Wales
- SurvivorsUK
- The Survivors Trust
- Victim Support
- NHS Services and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs)
You may wish to encourage the person to access one of these services, whether or not they choose to report the matter.
Remember
You do not need to solve the situation yourself.
If somebody has shared a concern with you, listening, taking them seriously and helping them access support may be one of the most important things you can do.
If you are unsure what to do, seek advice or raise a concern through the University's Report + Support system.