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Essentials The Important Stuff Values and Behaviours Never Ok Sexual misconduct and assault

Sexual misconduct and assault

Any form of sexual misconduct, assault or harassment is #Never OK

The University takes any incidents of sexual violence or sexual harassment very seriously and is committed to handling all reports sensitively, effectively and in a timely manner. We do not permit these behaviours in our University community and we expect everyone to treat all members of the community with dignity and respect. 

If you think you have been the target of sexual misconduct, assault, or harassment, it may be hard to know what to do or to manage how you are feeling. Everyone responds differently to sexual harassment and other forms of sexual violence – so whatever you feel is a valid response.

We understand how scared and confused you might be and how difficult you may be finding it to speak to someone about it -– these, and many other thoughts and feelings are all normal responses. 

You may also have concerns with what might happen if you did tell someone; being forced to do something you don’t want to, such as involving the Police. Other worries might include concerns that your family might be informed, or there might be an impact on your visa and your studies. You do not need to worry, these things will not happen.

We also know that you may be worried about the impacts on the person you are reporting, particularly if you know or are /have been in a relationship with them.

We encourage you to act promptly and not to feel any sexual violence or harassment is your fault. The University recognises that any incident is unacceptable and likely to be distressing. It is important that you don’t feel you should have to tolerate such behaviour and that you have the support of the University to decide if and how you want to take any further action. In addition it will enable the University to make arrangements and to put support in place if necessary, including where possible, measures to protect the personal safety of all involved.

If you have been affected by sexual assault and would like to formally report the incident to the University – email neverok@reading.ac.uk.  Once you have reported an incident our  Student Welfare team will contact you to offer you support, talk through your options and explain what can happen next to help you decide what you want to do. 

Read more about the reporting process and how we can support you.

 

The following guidance can help you make informed decisions about the next steps and the support available.

Sexual misconduct, violence and harassment can be experienced by any individual, regardless of their sex, gender, sexual orientation, relationship status, age, disability, faith, religion, ethnicity, nationality and economic status. Women, members of the LGBTQ+ community and individuals with disabilities are disproportionately affected by experiences of sexual violence. Experiences of sexual misconduct and violence may also intersect with other forms of harassment and bullying.

    Sexual misconduct

    Sexual misconduct is an umbrella term that defines any conduct that is sexual in nature, is unwanted and causes distress, or that otherwise constitutes harassment, bullying or victimisation and can be within or outside of a relationship.  
      
    Sexual misconduct can include: sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, coercion or bullying behaviours with sexual elements, sexual invitations and demands, comments, non-verbal communication, creation of atmospheres of discomfort, and promised resources or advancement in exchange for sexual access. 
     
    If you have been affected by sexual misconduct and would like to formally report the incident to the University – you can do this via emailing neverok@reading.ac.uk.  Once you have reported an incident our  Student Welfare team will contact you to offer you support, talk through your options and explain what can happen next to help you decide what you want to do. 

    Read more about the reporting process and how we can support you.

    Sexual assault

    A person commits sexual assault if they intentionally touch another person, the touching is sexual and the person does not consent.  
     
    It involves all unwanted physical contact of a sexual nature and ranges from pinching, touching, groping and kissing, sexual exploitation, and rape, whereby an individual coerces or physically forces somebody to engage in sexual acts against their will or without their explicit consent.  

    Consent

    Sexual assault is an act that is carried out without a person’s active consent. This means they did not agree to it.
    Consent means saying “yes” to what happened.
    Being intoxicated, not being asked, saying nothing, or saying yes to something else, is not consent. Being in a relationship with someone is not consent. Consent can be withdrawn at any time.

    If you have been affected by sexual assault and would like to formally report the incident to the University – you can do this via emailing neverok@reading.ac.uk.  Once you have reported an incident our  Student Welfare team will contact you to offer you support, talk through your options and explain what can happen next to help you decide what you want to do. 

    Read more about the reporting process and how we can support you.

    Sexual harassment

    Sexual harassment is a much broader term than sexual assault and refers to a wider variety of inappropriate sexual behaviours. 

    Sexual harassment can include unwanted and unwelcome words, conduct, or behaviour of a sexual nature that has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, embarrassing, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for the recipient.  It can be written, verbal or physical, and can happen in person, online or via social media. 

    Sexual harassment includes a really wide range of behaviours, such as:

    -  Sexual comments or noises – for example, catcalling or wolf-whistling
    -  Sexual gestures, leering, staring or suggestive looks
    -  Explicit sexual ‘jokes’, innuendos or suggestive comments
    -  Unwanted sexual advances or propositions
    -  Sending emails or texts with sexual content – for example, unwanted ‘sexts’ or ‘dick pics’
    -  Sexual posts or contact on social media. Intrusive questions about a person’s private or sex life or someone discussing their own sex life un-invited
    -  Spreading sexual rumours
    -  Displaying images of a sexual nature in a shared environment
    -  Unwanted physical contact of a sexual nature – for example, brushing up against someone or hugging, kissing or massaging them
    -  Stalking
    -  Indecent exposure
    -  Revenge porn
    -  Up-skirting

    It is the person affected by the sexual behaviour who decides if it’s unwanted – NOT the person doing the behaviour. It also doesn’t matter if other people you know think or tell you the unwanted sexual behaviour is okay. The limit of what and how much behaviour is acceptable to you is up to you to decide. A single incident and/or persistent behaviour can amount to harassment. Just because certain sexual behaviour was welcomed or not objected to in the past doesn’t mean that it can’t become unwanted. Or that other sexual behaviour is wanted. 

    If you have been affected by sexual harassment and would like to formally report the incident to the University – you can do this via emailing neverok@reading.ac.uk.  Once you have reported an incident our  Student Welfare team will contact you to offer you support, talk through your options and explain what can happen next to help you decide what you want to do. 

    Read more about the reporting process and how we can support you.

    How the university supports you

    Anyone affected is encouraged to seek support as soon as possible either from the University or from external agencies.  We will never make assumptions about what you want to do and will respect any decision that you make and there are a number of options open to you.

    If you would like to formally report the incident to the University – you can do this by emailing neverok@reading.ac.uk.  Once you have reported an incident our  Student Welfare team will contact you to offer you support, talk through your options and explain what can happen next to help you decide what you want to do.

    If you do not want to report and incident but need some emotional support and a place to safely talk things through, you can email the Student Welfare Team to arrange an appointment or you can come along to the Welfare Drop in – Monday to Friday 1-4pm.

    If you want to report to the Police you can call them on 101 or 999 if you are in immediate danger.  If you experience an assault on campus, we encourage you to report it to our University Security Team  on 0118 378 6300.

    If you do not want to involve the police, or are still not sure, Solace, Thames Valley Sexual assault and Referral centre (SARC) except referrals and have a 24/7 help line on 0800 970 9952. They offer a number of services including crisis support, medical examinations and counselling referrals. 

    You do not need to report the incident to the University or police immediately, but please note the following important time limits:

    - If you suspect you were given any type of drug, it is best to be tested within 24 hours.
    - If you are thinking of having a forensic medical examination try to go to the SARC or police as soon as you can and within 72 hours if possible.
    - If you need emergency contraception, the medication should be started within 72 hours.
    - If you think you may need HIV medicines to prevent infection, the medication should be started within 72 hours.

    The Rape Crisis website has information about how you can preserve evidence yourself.   If you decide that you would like the university to carry out an investigation into the incident, this will be co-ordinated by the Student Complaints and Discipline Team. A member of staff will interview you, the person you have reported and any potential witnesses in order to establish as clearly as possible what happened. You will be treated with consideration, sensitivity and respect throughout this process. Cases of sexual assault/harassment are normally treated at the level of serious misconduct and this means it is the University’s Student Discipline Committee who decide the outcome and penalty based on the investigation report. It is important that investigations are thorough and this means that it can take some time before there is a final outcome.  Depending on the findings of the investigation there are a range of possible penalties listed in the Student Discipline Procedure. Should you decide to go through the disciplinary procedure, RUSU Advice Service can support and act as a friend should you need to attend any interviews.

    If you have reported to the Police and they are involved in an investigation, the University will consider whether an internal investigation is required or if already underway whether the internal investigation should be paused while the Police investigation is undertaken.

    While we will never make assumptions about what you want to do and will respect any decision that you make the only exception to this will be if it is considered that there is an ongoing risk to you or to members of the University Community. We do not report incidents to the police without the consent of the person reporting unless you or others are at significant risk.

    It is important to remember that what has happened is not your fault and that you don’t have to deal with this on your own because there is a lot of support available.

    Sexual misconduct, violence and harassment can be experienced by any individual, regardless of their sex, gender, sexual orientation, relationship status, age, disability, faith, religion, ethnicity, nationality and economic status. Women, members of the LGBTQ+ community and individuals with disabilities are disproportionately affected by experiences of sexual violence. Experiences of sexual misconduct and violence may also intersect with other forms of harassment and bullying.

     


    External support and resources

    Any form of sexual misconduct, assault or harassment is #Never OK.

     

    In addition to support from the university you can also access support through the following external specialist services. 

    Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment

     

    Trust House Reading: provide confidential specialist sexual violence and abuse support services to women, men and children living in Berkshire, which includes practical and emotion support and Counselling. 

    This support is available to survivors of historical or recent experiences of rape and sexual abuse and to their friends, family or anyone who is impacted.

    Telephone Help Line: 0118 9584033

    Solace: Sexual Assault referral centre (SARC) offers a safe, discreet and caring environment providing forensic examination and medical treatment, counselling and aftercare support services to men, women and children and those supporting them, who live within Thames Valley, who have experienced rape or sexual assault, recent or non-recent.

    For advice or to make an appointment contact us on 0800 970 9952 (24 hours a day 7 days a week) or Email:info@solacesarc.org.uk.

    NHS Royal Berkshire Hospital – Florey Unit: provide free confidential integrated sexual health services in Reading, Wokingham and West Berkshire. Telephone 0118 3227202

    The Survivors Trust: Offers resources and links to services, as well as guidance for those who have experienced rape or sexual assault and those supporting survivors. 

    Rape Crisis: provide free support and services to victims and survivors of rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse and all forms of sexual violence. Telephone 0808 8029999

     

    Image Based Sexual Abuse

    Revenge Porn Helpline:  Offers confidential advice and support to individuals who have had intimate photos and/or video shared online or offline. 
    Email: 
    help@revengepornhelpline.org.uk Telephone: 0345 6000 459 

    SPITE:  Free legal advice to victims-survivors of revenge porn.


    Stalking

    National Stalking Helpline: Offers information, advice and guidance to individuals subjected to stalking. 
    Telephone: 0808 802 0300


    Domestic Abuse

    Berkshire Women’s Aid: provide support, advocacy and domestic abuse services to everyone who is experiencing domestic abuse. Help line 0808 8010882. Email: helpdesk@bwaid.org.uk

    National Domestic Violence Helpline: Provides support, help and information to women subjected to domestic violence.
    Telephone: 0808 2000 247

    Refuge:  provide supports women, children & men experiencing domestic violence with a range of services. For support, call our Helpline on 0808 2000 247.

    Culturally Specific Services

    Ashiana Network: Refuge, counselling and advice for Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) women and girls (14+) who have experienced domestic abuse and sexual violence. 
    Telephone: 020 8539 0427 

    Muslim Women’s Network Helpline:  Specialist faith and culturally sensitive helpline offering information, support and guidance for those suffering from, or at risk of, abuse.
    Email: info@mwnhelpline.co.uk. Telephone: 07415 206936 or 0800 999 5786

    Jewish Women’s Aid:   Offers support to Jewish women and girls subjected to domestic abuse and sexual violence.  Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 801 0500. Sexual Violence Support Line: 0808 801 0656

    Karma Nirvana: Offers support to victim-survivors of ‘honour’ based abuse and forced marriage. 
    Telephone: 0800 5999 247 | Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm 

    Latin American Women’s Aid: Offers support and advice to Latin American and other Black and Minority Ethnic women (including Trans-women) subjected to gender-based violence in Spanish, Portuguese and English. Telephone: 020 7275032727 5032ontact us on 020 727 50321
    Contact us on 020 727 50321

     

     

     

    Services for LGBTQ+ individuals

     

    Galop National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline:  Emotional and practical support for LGBT+ people experiencing domestic abuse. 
    Telephone: 0800 999 5428

    Galop Sexual Assault Casework and Support Service: Advice and support for LGBT+ people who have experienced sexual violence.
    Telephone: 020 7704 2040 


    Support U: provide specialist support and resources for LGBT+ people and those affected by LGBT+ related issues in the Thames Valley.

     



    Services for Men

    SurvivorsUK:  Online support for men subjected to sexual violence.
    Tel: 02035983898 (Monday to Friday 9.30am – 5.00pm) 
    Helpline Web Chat: Monday – Friday 10.30am – 9.00pm, Saturday – Sunday 10.00am – 6.00pm

    Men’s Advice Line:   Confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic violence from a partner or ex-partner or family member
    Telephone: 0808 8010327  


    Services for Individuals with Disabilities

    Respond:  National charity working with people with learning disabilities subjected to abuse or violence, which offers a range of evidence-based trauma, informed services for young people and adults. 
    Telephone: 020 7383 0700, Email: 
    admin@respond.org.uk 

    DeafHope from SignHealth:  Offers practical and emotional support to Deaf people subjected to domestic abuse. 
    Text: 07966 976749. Email: 
    info@signhealth.org.uk.
    Telephone: 020 3947 2600 

     

    It is important to remember that what has happened is not your fault and that you don’t have to deal with this on your own because there is a lot of support available.

     

     

     

Report an incident

Sign the pledge - Sexual Harassment is Never OK

We want to enable a community where all of us are empowered to stand against sexual harassment and the toxic culture in which such behaviour is normalised. We are calling on all students to get educated and support each other to call out harassment. 

At Reading we want to be a place with a culture where:

  1. everyone recognises sexual harassment for what it is
  2. everyone feels able to call it out
  3. we work together to make it unacceptable.  

Sign the pledge to support our community to stand against sexual harassment.

Join in with the campaign and show your support on Instagram and Twitter.

See it, Say it, Stop it!

Sexual harassment is Never OK

 

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