How to report sexual violence as a UCA student
Reporting Sexual Violence

 

how to report sexual violence as a UCA student

 
What is sexual violence?

Sexual violence is the umbrella term used to cover any kind of unwanted sexual act or activity including rape, sexual assault and sexual abuse.

Sexual assault doesn’t always involve violence or cause physical injury but the emotional distress to a person can be long lasting. Examples of sexual assault are someone intentionally grabbing you or touching you in a sexual way that you don’t like or being forced to kiss or do something sexual without consent.

 

What is sexual harassment?

“Sexual harassment is any kind of unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature that makes you feel humiliated or intimidated, or that creates a hostile environment” (www.victimsupport.org). These behaviours can include inappropriate sexual propositions, spreading sexual rumours, insults about your body or appearance and making sexual jokes that offend or intimidate.

Sexual harassment is a form of unlawful discrimination the Equality Act 2010.

 

What is consent?

Consent must always be given even if you’re in a relationship. Sex without consent is rape.

If you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol, if you’re unaware of surroundings or if you’re asleep you may be unable to give consent. Consent should never be assumed; you must have the capacity to give consent.

 

 

You have two options when choosing to report Sexual Violence on campus:

 

 

Option 1: Reporting to the University
  • Different options including Report + Support or more direct
  • Option to be anonymous
  • More relevant sanctions
  • Quicker Investigation

 

Option 2: Reporting to the police
  • More serious sanctions
  • More thorough investigation
 
Or: Reporting to both
  • The criminal investigation must be completed first
  • The University will start investigating afterwards

 

Reporting to the University

Report

1. Make a report via ReportAndSupport.uca.ac.uk. An anonymous submission will be logged as an incident but can’t be taken further

OR:

1. Get SU representation if you want it

SU Advice

advice.su@uca.ac.uk

2. Make a report to a Sexual Violence Liaison Officer

Simon Harper

sharper2@uca.ac.uk

Tanya Perkins

tperkins@uca.ac.uk

The Investigation

1. UCA appoints an 'Investigator' to a named Report + Support submission or SVLO report

2. Investigator takes statements and gathers evidence

3. Investigator decides to dismiss or uphold the allegation

4. If upheld, a sanction could be imposed - this might include suspension or expulsion.

5. The person you are complaining about can appeal the outcome, however, the person making the complaint cannot.

Reporting to the Police

Report

1. Attend a SARC or call 999 if it is an emergency. A Sexual Assault Referral Centre can provide emotional support, medical attention & specialist advice

2. If not an emergency, call 101

3. Police may arrange a medical examination and treatment for injuries

4. You will be assigned a Dedicated Officer as a point of contact

5. Your police interview will cover 4 main questions: Who did this? What happened? Where and When did it happen?

The Investigation

1. The suspect may be arrested

2. Crown Prosecution Service decides whether the case is strong enough to go to court

3. It goes to court, or the case is closed