
Behaviour that amounts to harassment or sexual misconduct is not tolerated within the University community. If you are a student or a staff member who has been affected by harassment or sexual misconduct, this webpage offers information about the support and reporting options available inside and outside of the University.
You may find it useful to consider the following steps:
- Are you at immediate risk of harm?
In an emergency you can contact the Police or an ambulance by telephoning 999. If you have been recently sexually assaulted or raped, step-by-step guidance is available here: https://www.counselling.cam.ac.uk/sexual-assault-and-harassment-advisor/studentguide. If you are a staff member supporting students you can use the following guide: https://www.counselling.cam.ac.uk/sexual-assault-and-harassment-advisor/staff-guide-for-supporting-students-who-have-experienced-sexual-misconduct
- Consider accessing support
If you feel able, discussing what has happened with someone that you trust – a friend, family member, someone at the University or a professional, might help you.
At the University, students can speak to their College Tutor, Nurse or another staff member; staff can speak to their line manager, Departmental Administrator, a Dignity at Work contact on (7)65031 or dignitycontacts@admin.cam.ac.uk or the relevant HR Business Manager/Adviser or Business Operations Manager in the Clinical School.
Both students and staff can access counselling:
- University Student Counselling Service - https://www.counselling.cam.ac.uk/ telephone 01223 332865
- Sexual Harassment and Violence Advisor (for students) - find out more here: https://www.counselling.cam.ac.uk/sexual-assault-and-harassment-advisor and/or email sexual.assault.advisor@admin.cam.ac.uk
- University Staff Counselling Service - https://staff.counselling.cam.ac.uk/ telephone 01223 762160
Outside the University, external specialist organisations include:
- The Elms, Sexual Assault Referral Centre - http://www.theelmssarc.org/
- Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre - cambridgerapecrisis.org.uk
- Samaritans - www.samaritans.org
- Equality Advisory Service - www.equalityadvisoryservice.com
- First Response (NHS help in a mental health crisis) - telephone 111 option 2
- Survivors UK - male rape and sexual abuse - www.survivorsuk.org
- Consider what action to take (including taking no action)
You have control of what action you take (including no action) and you can change your mind. You do not have to make a decision quickly and it is important that you make the decision that is right for you. You might want to speak to someone you trust about what action to take – these are some of the options you may wish to consider:
- Anonymously report to the University using this webpage: www.studentcomplaints.admin.cam.ac.uk/anonymous-reporting
- Report to the University:
- students can find the reporting forms and further information on this webpage: www.studentcomplaints.admin.cam.ac.uk/reporting
- staff can report using the dignity@work procedure, more information is available on this webpage: www.hr.admin.cam.ac.uk/policies-procedures/dignity-work-policy
- Anonymously report to the Police (via True Vision) using this webpage: https://beta.met.police.uk/true-vision-report-hate-crime/
- Report to the Police by calling 101
- Take no action
Remember, what has happened to you is not your fault and you are not to blame. It is your choice to decide when or if you will access support; and whether or not to report the incident. The University has policies and procedures in place to support you, so if in doubt discuss your options with someone within the University that you trust so that you can make an informed decision.
- Supporting someone else who has been affected
If you are approached by an individual for advice and support in relation to sexual assault, sexual violence or sexual misconduct the following step by step guidance is available:
Guidance on dealing with disclosures of sexual assault or sexual violence
If you are a staff member supporting students you can also use the following guide: https://www.counselling.cam.ac.uk/sexual-assault-and-harassment-advisor/staff-guide-for-supporting-students-who-have-experienced-sexual-misconduct