Behaviour that amounts to harassment or sexual misconduct is not tolerated within the University community. If you have 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.
Cambridge Rape Crisis' website provides advice about what to do if you or someone else have been recently sexually assaulted or raped.
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, this may be your line manager, Departmental Administrator, a Dignity at Work Contact or the relevant HR Business Partner for your area.
You can access counselling through the University Staff Counselling Service - telephone 01223 762160
Outside the University, external specialist organisations include:
- The Elms, Sexual Assault Referral Centre
- Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre
- Samaritans
- Equality Advisory Service
- First Response (NHS help in a mental health crisis) - telephone 111 option 2
- Safeline including National Male Survivor Helpline & Online Support
- Survivors UK
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:
- Report to the University:
- both informal and formal reporting options are available for staff as detailed in the Dignity at Work Policy. This would be through the University’s grievance and disciplinary policies.
- You can seek confidential advice on these processes and your options through your line manager or local HR, the HR Business Partner for your area, a Dignity at Work Contact or a trade union representative. https://www.hr.admin.cam.ac.uk/hr-staff/trade-unions
- Report to the Police by calling 101
- Anonymously report to the University. This option does not collect any information about the identity of the alleged perpetrator or detailed information about the incident and will not result in any direct action; instead, the statistical information collected is used to monitor, plan and support appropriate preventative interventions.
- 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; 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 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, please refer to the Harassment and sexual misconduct webpage for guidance. You can also use the following advice for supporters guide.