Assault
Assault of any kind is never acceptable.
The University of Wolverhampton is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for all students, staff and visitors.
If you have experienced assault, witnessed an assault, or are worried about someone who may have been affected, support is available.
Some forms of assault are criminal offences and may also constitute hate crime where they are motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a protected characteristic.
What is Assault?
Assault can take a number of forms and may involve physical, verbal, sexual or threatening behaviour.
The impact of assault can be significant and may affect a person's wellbeing, confidence, sense of safety and ability to engage with study, work or daily life.
Verbal Assault
Verbal assault may involve threatening, abusive or intimidating language or behaviour intended to cause:
- fear
- alarm
- distress
- intimidation
Examples may include:
- threats of violence
- aggressive verbal abuse
- threatening behaviour
- intimidating confrontations
- targeted abusive language
Physical Assault
Physical assault involves the intentional or reckless use of unlawful force against another person, or behaviour that causes someone to fear immediate violence.
Examples may include:
- hitting
- punching
- kicking
- pushing
- grabbing
- spitting
- throwing objects
- threatening physical violence
Physical assault can occur on campus, in accommodation, on placement, at University events or within the wider community.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is a criminal offence.
Sexual assault occurs when a person intentionally touches another person in a sexual way without their consent.
Sexual assault may include:
- unwanted touching
- kissing
- groping
- sexual contact without consent
- more serious sexual offences, including rape and assault by penetration
Sexual assault can occur between strangers, acquaintances, friends, colleagues, partners or former partners.
What is Consent?
Consent means agreeing by choice and having both the freedom and capacity to make that choice.
Consent:
- must be freely given
- can be withdrawn at any time
- cannot be assumed
- must be ongoing throughout any sexual activity
A person may not have capacity to consent if they are:
- unconscious
- asleep
- significantly affected by alcohol or drugs
- unable to understand the situation due to a health condition or other vulnerability
Hate Crime and Assault
Some assaults may also be considered hate incidents or hate crimes if they are motivated by hostility or prejudice relating to a person's:
- race or ethnicity
- religion or belief
- disability
- sexual orientation
- gender identity
The University takes all reports of assault and hate-related behaviour seriously.
Reporting a Concern
If you have experienced assault, witnessed an assault, or are worried about someone else, you can report a concern through the University's Report + Support system.
You can:
Submit a Report a Concern
This allows the University to review the concern and consider appropriate support and intervention.
Submit an Anonymous Report
If you do not wish to identify yourself, you can make an anonymous report.
Anonymous reports can help the University identify patterns, trends and emerging concerns.
Immediate Risk
If somebody is in immediate danger, has been seriously injured, or a crime is in progress:
Call 999
Do not wait for a Report + Support submission to be reviewed.
If urgent medical treatment is required, seek emergency assistance immediately.
Support Available
Support is available whether or not you choose to report the incident to the police.
Support for Students
Students may be able to access support through:
Student Life
Student Life - University of Wolverhampton
Providing support with:
- wellbeing
- welfare
- disability and inclusion
- financial concerns
- student support
Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
Mental Health and Wellbeing Advice - University of Wolverhampton
Providing support for:
- anxiety
- low mood
- emotional distress
- mental health concerns
- crisis situations
Safeguarding Team
Safeguarding - University of Wolverhampton
Providing support where there are concerns relating to:
- abuse
- exploitation
- vulnerability
- safety
- wellbeing
Support for Staff
Staff members affected by bullying, harassment, discrimination, hate crime, sexual misconduct or other concerning behaviour can access support through a range of routes.
Line Manager Support
Managers can provide support, discuss available options and help identify appropriate workplace adjustments or interventions where required.
Human Resources
The HR team can provide advice regarding:
- workplace concerns
- dignity at work issues
- informal and formal resolution options
- policies and procedures
hr@wlv.ac.uk
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
The Employee Assistance Programme provides confidential support and advice for staff, including emotional well-being support and counselling services.
Staff Support - University of Wolverhampton
Safeguarding Team
The University's Safeguarding Team supports both students and staff and can provide advice where there are concerns relating to safety, vulnerability, abuse, exploitation or wellbeing.
Safeguarding - University of Wolverhampton
Specialist Support
Depending on the nature of the incident, additional support may be available through:
- Victim Support
- West Midlands Police
- NHS Services
- Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs)
- Black Country Women's Aid
- Rape Crisis England & Wales
- SurvivorsUK
- The Survivors Trust
Remember
Nobody should experience violence, threats, intimidation or assault.
If something has happened to you or you are worried about somebody else, support is available.
The University will take concerns seriously, respond appropriately and help individuals access the support they need.