If you have experienced or witnessed any form of unwanted sexual conduct, sexual harassment or stalking, support is available.
Unwanted sexual conduct and stalking
Unwanted sexual conduct is unwanted conduct of a sexual nature which has the purpose or effect of violating the recipient’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.
Unwanted sexual conduct can include but is not limited to sexual harassment, stalking, assault, grooming, bullying, sexual invitations, comments and nonverbal communication with sexual content or overtones, creation of atmospheres of discomfort, and promised resources in exchange for sexual access.
Sexual harassment is when someone behaves in a way which makes you feel distressed, intimidated or offended and the behaviour is of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment can include but is not limited to: unwanted sexual attention, unwanted touching, hugging, stroking, kissing, relentless pressure for dates or sexual behaviour, sexual comments or jokes and physical behaviour.
Stalking is persistent and unwanted attention which makes you feel fearful, harassed or anxious.This can include physical and cyber-stalking.
If you or someone you know has experienced unwanted sexual conduct, harassment or stalking, support is available at the University and by external support services.
Student Welfare Team
The Student Welfare Team are experienced in supporting students who have experienced some form of unwanted sexual conduct, harassment or stalking, amongst other welfare related support. The team works with students who are having difficulties functioning or continuing their studies for non-academic reasons. They are able to speak with you in a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space and they can support you in finding the appropriate support.
When you report an incident with your contact details, the Student Welfare Team will contact you within three working days.
Oxford Brookes Counselling Services
Tailored support is available to all enrolled Brookes students – of whatever age, gender, religion and beliefs, nationality, ethnic origin, gender identity and sexual orientation. The aim of our Counselling Service is to provide you with the support that we think best suits your needs and is most readily available. To help us do this, we operate a triage ‘assessment of needs’ system, where you may be asked to complete online clinical measures. This helps us assess your needs.
Brookes Union Advice Service
The Brookes Union Advice Service can provide you with independent advice on the options available to you, whether you are thinking about reporting to the police or the university. You can phone them on + 44 (0) 1865 534005 or email them at su.advice@brookes.ac.uk.
The opening times can be found on the Brookes Union Advice Services website.
National Stalking Helpline
If you or someone you know are being made to feel harassed, distressed or intimidated by another person's behaviour, the National Stalking Helpline can offer you practical advice and information.
Tel: 0808 802 0300
Email the helpline by completing an online form
Oxfordshire Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre (OSARCC)
OSARCC offer a free and confidential service to self-identifying women who are dealing with the effects of sexual violence, and to anyone who is supporting them. This includes but is not limited to phone helplines, email advice, support groups and their own dedicated ISVA who works with self-identifying women throughout Oxfordshire.
Monday, 18:30 - 21:00
Thursday, 18:30 - 21:00
Sunday, 18:00 - 20:30
Tel: 0800 783 6294 or 01865 726 295
Email: support@osarcc.org.uk
Victim Support
If you have experienced unwanted sexual conduct, harassment or stalking, Victim Support can provide free and confidential practical help and advice. They can explain the options available to you and give you emotional support. Their Supportline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Tel: 0808 1689 111 (Freephone)
Request support online or email the Supportline.
Samaritans
Someone to listen 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can talk to the Samaritans about any thoughts or feelings you have, they won't tell you what to do.
Tel: 116 123 (Freephone)
Email: jo@samaritans.org
The University takes a zero-tolerance approach to any form of unwanted sexual conduct, harassment and stalking and expects all members of the University community to treat each other with dignity and respect.
If you report an incident with your contact details, the Student Welfare Team will contact you within 3 working days. The team works with students who are having difficulties functioning or continuing their studies for non-academic reasons. They are able to speak with you in a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space and they can support you in finding the appropriate service.
We understand that you may not wish to disclose your identity, so you also have the option to report anonymously. Anonymous reports provide statistical information, which will be used to inform our proactive and preventative work on addressing unwanted behaviours across the University community.
If your report involves a staff member
Please submit a complaint using the Complaints and Appeals Form. In accordance with the Complaints and Appeals Procedures, complaints must be submitted within 2 months of the last claimed act or omission. The Student Investigation and Resolution Team will confirm receipt of your complaint within 5 working days and you will have the opportunity to discuss the complaint with a member of the Student Investigation and Resolution Team. Details of the procedure can be found on the Student Complaint Procedure pages.
If your report involves other students
You will need to initiate the Student Conduct Procedure. In accordance with the Student Conduct Regulations, the procedure must be initiated within 5 working days of the discovery of the potential breach of the Student Conduct Regulations. Examples of behaviours which are regarded as misconduct and time-frames can be found within the Student Conduct Regulations and Procedure.
If you have any questions about the reporting tool or website, please email studentwelfare@brookes.ac.uk.