Making a disclosure

<p dir="ltr">Experiencing any form of harassment or sexual misconduct is harmful and causes distress and it is recognised that you may not initially recognise this, or may need to wait some time before making telling someone, even somebody that you trust. </p> <p dir="ltr">If you have experienced harassment or sexual misconduct it is up to you who you decide to disclose this to, should you wish to do so.</p> <p dir="ltr">You may choose to report straight away or you may wish to seek some advice first in which case you may make a disclosure to someone. This could be anyone, including a friend or family member, a fellow student, a staff member or support worker.</p> <p dir="ltr">You may choose to disclose something that happened recently or some time ago.</p> <p dir="ltr">If you disclose to a staff member for example they may ask if they can take notes. You should feel free to use whatever language you choose to provide the information you are comfortable disclosing, including swear words. For example, if you think you were raped, you can say this, even though it is appreciated it is difficult. If you are not comfortable saying these things out loud you can write them down.</p> <p dir="ltr">You should be offered access to professional staff such as the Sexual Violence Liaison Officer or Student Support staff members. </p> <p dir="ltr">You can pass on any concerns such as:<br /></p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">whether you want support</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">if you feel unsafe (particularly if the perpetrator is a staff member or student)</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">impact on your wellbeing or academic progress</p></li></ul> <p dir="ltr">What can the University do?<br /></p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">with your consent, the incident could be reported <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxSh25h5FufJoFfa2U2F9yQ_dpc_fgjIOht03FrUcuFDHTpw/viewform?usp=header" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">formally</a> using your name or<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeTpDNq0tR2MZZ-EZDrazZfjFTiDoEPkGVQhWbb1c-fcA-F8Q/viewform?usp=header" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> anonymously</a> and an investigation can be started (via complaints policy or disciplinary procedure)</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">regardless of any investigation, we can offer advice and support through the SVLO and / or Student Support and help you with both your academic progress and your wellbeing (you do not have to make a formal report in order to submit an extenuating circumstances claim nor to access emotional / wellbeing support or counselling) </p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">you could be referred to appropriate support networks such as First Light charity</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">if you have been subjected to sexual assault (including rape) very recently you can be supported in accessing the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)</p></li></ul> <p dir="ltr">You will be supported throughout but will be up to you whether you want to check in again afterwards with the person you disclosed to - Student Support may follow up.</p> <p dir="ltr">If you wish, making the disclosure can be the one and only time you discuss the incident; some people will want to tell someone but then not want to discuss the incident again or take further action.</p>