Making a report to the University
Students and staff can use the Report + Support platform to disclose any incidents of inappropriate behaviour. The site contains a reporting function where you can document an incident with or without contact details. In addition to the reporting tool, the platform offers an expansive list of internal and external support resources and articles.
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) can be a factor in various types of incidents, including but not limited to sexual misconduct, harassment, relationship abuse, coercive control, stalking, and intimidation. The University encourages individuals reporting incidents they believe involve GBV to select the most appropriate incident type available, for example, "domestic abuse."
If none of the listed categories accurately reflect the nature of the incident, reporters are advised to select "Other" and provide relevant details in the open text field.
Where the individual believes the incident occurred as a result of their gender, it is helpful to indicate this either within the description of the incident or, in the case of an anonymous report, by selecting a reason that reflects this context.
How we deal with reports of GBV
As per clause 2.3 within the Sexual Violence and Misconduct Policy, the University recognises that sexual violence and misconduct often occur as part of a broader pattern of gender-based violence (GBV), which may include intimate partner violence, relationship abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour, and stalking.
While not all such behaviours are sexual or sexually motivated in nature, they can nonetheless be indicative of a wider context of harm that intersects with issues addressed by the Sexual Violence and Misconduct Policy.
Consequently, where reports involve alleged behaviours that fall under both GBV and non-academic misconduct, such as: harassment; discrimination; or stalking without sexual intent; they may still be pursued under the Sexual Violence and Misconduct Policy to further investigate the intent behind the alleged behaviour.
You can read our full Sexual Violence and Misconduct Policy on our dedicated webpage- Sexual Violence and Misconduct Policy.
Our Stance on 'Outing'
We condemn all forms of outing- the act of revealing someone’s sexual orientation, gender identity, trans status, HIV diagnosis or if an individual is a sex worker, without their explicit and informed consent. Outing is a violation of personal privacy and dignity, and it may cause serious emotional and social harm.
Disclosures Without Fear of Disciplinary Action
We understand that disclosing experiences of GBV can be difficult. To support openness and trust:
- Students who disclose GBV will not be subject to disciplinary action for any non-academically related student misconduct (e.g. alcohol or drug use) that may have occurred at the time of the incident.
- The only exception applies to courses with professional fitness to practise requirements, where certain behaviours must be addressed under external regulatory standards. These cases will be handled with discretion, care, and a strong emphasis on the student's wellbeing.
Our Engagement with Clare’s Law
To strengthen the ways we support safety and wellbeing across our community, the University highlights and promotes awareness of Clare’s Law (the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme).
Clare’s Law enables individuals to ask the police if their partner, or the partner of someone they know, has a history of abusive behaviour, and also allows police to proactively share such information where there may be a risk.
While the University is not a direct operator of the scheme, our support services can provide guidance to students and staff on how to access it, signpost to the relevant authorities, and ensure that anyone considering a request is supported throughout the
process. By promoting awareness of Clare’s Law, we aim to empower our community with knowledge, strengthen safeguarding, and contribute to the prevention of abuse.
Reporting Externally
In an emergency:
If you are in an emergency situation and require immediate support to reduce your risk of harm or abuse, contact the emergency services on 999 - you can ask for the police, or you can ask for an ambulance for any medical or injury related help. If you need to contact the police but cannot speak, There is an option for silent support if talking will put you in more danger.
If an incident is occurring on campus and you would like some assistance, you can contact Campus Security on the below numbers depending on which campus you are at:
- Docklands: 0208 223 5599
- Stratford: 0208 223 4073
- USS: 0208 223 7888
If it is not an emergency you can still request help and support:
You can speak to your GP (doctor) or another healthcare professional, such as a midwife if you are pregnant.
You can also call the Police non-emergency number 101, attend any local Police station or make a police report online.
You can also call the national domestic violence number on 0808 2000 247 - this line is open 24/7, including on bank holidays.
Codeword scheme 'Ask fo ANI'
If you are experiencing domestic abuse and need immediate help, ask for ‘ANI’ in a participating pharmacy. If a pharmacy has the ‘Ask for ANI’ logo on display, it means they’re ready to help. They will offer you a private space, provide a phone and ask if you need support from the police or other domestic abuse support services.