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Breaking the silence - preventing harassment and sexual misconduct

 
Support.

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:

1. Are you at immediate risk of harm?

In an emergency you should contact the Police and/or an ambulance by telephoning 999.

If you are a student who has been recently sexually assaulted or raped, advice for students is available. If you are a staff member supporting students you can use the advice for supporters guide.  Advice about what to do for both staff and students who have been recently sexually assaulted or raped is also available on Cambridge Rape Crisis' website.

2. 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 or the relevant HR Business Partner or Manager

Both students and staff can access counselling:

Outside the University, external specialist organisations include:

3. 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:

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; if in doubt, discuss your options with someone within the University that you trust so you can make an informed decision.

4. Supporting someone else who has been affected

If you are approached by either a student or staff member for advice and support in relation to sexual assault, sexual violence or sexual misconduct, please refer to this step by step 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 advice for supporters guide.