In a recent survey by the National Union of Students (NUS), although 17 per cent of respondents stated they had been victims of some form of sexual harassment during their first week of term, 61 per cent of freshers were unaware of procedures for reporting sexual harassment (NUS, 2015). This recipe is to assist personal tutors and other staff members to whom students disclose sexual harassment.
Ingredients
A broad definition of sexual abuse, to include: rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, name-calling, insults, threats and intimidation.
An understanding that anyone can experience sexual abuse, regardless of sexuality, age, gender, race, religion or disability.
Time to listen.
Empathy.
Clear guidelines.
Method
Make sure the student is safe. If they are in physical danger or in need of immediate medical attention, call 999.
Advise the student reporting sexual abuse that they can, if they wish, be accompanied by a friend or supporter.
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Explain to the student the limits of confidentiality. Say that you may be required to speak to someone else about the conversation. See 10 below.
Give space to the student: use welcoming body language (e.g. sit together at an appropriate distance, and avoid crossed arms); listen non-judgementally and carefully, preferably in a space that is reasonably private, yet accessible to other individuals who may be able to help.
Let the student know that the University is committed to supporting them and to taking appropriate action: mention the existence of policies/guidelines and possible remedies for the student, and answer any questions on these issues.
Suggest that another member of staff be present during the discussion, if the student is comfortable with that.
Encourage the student to make contact with the Advice Place or equivalent student support service.
Suggest alternative or additional sources of support, for example: Rape Crisis Scotland; the student’s GP (general practitioner) or local hospital for injuries or infections; or the University’s counselling service.
Following the meeting, send an email to the student’s University email only, reminding them what was discussed, any instructions or support given and any decisions taken or follow-up required. Keep a copy of the email in case you need to refer to it in the future; make sure that this is marked as “confidential” in your email folders. You may also wish to make a copy of this email and hand it in hard copy to your school’s student support office, with a request that it be kept confidential, according to the school’s confidentiality protocol.
In your email, remind the student about the limits of confidentiality, as you had explained to him or her during your face-to-face meeting. Spell out clearly in writing that:
you may be required to give evidence about the conversation if there is a criminal case;
you are required to raise serious concern under the University’s Dignity and Respect Policy;
in the case of rape or serious sexual assault you should report the details to the University Secretary’s Office;
if the alleged perpetrator is still at large it may be necessary for the University to inform the police.
The University of Edinburgh guidelines for supporting students who experience sexual harassment can be found here: http://www.ed.ac.uk/staff/student-support/sexual-harassment and http://www.ed.ac.uk/students/health/things-not-going-well/sexual-harassment-assault
Students at University of Edinburgh can get help and support from
the Advice Place. https://www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/support_and_advice/the_advice_place/
Information about the University’s student counselling service can be found here: http://www.ed.ac.uk/student-counselling. For staff, see http://www.ed.ac.uk/counselling-services/staff
Cook’s tip
Make sure you take good care of yourself. You are not required to offer specialist support to the student: your role is to listen to them, reassure them of the University’s commitment to support and appropriate action, and to let them know about sources of support. However, listening to a disclosure of sexual abuse can be stressful or upsetting. The Staff Counselling Service provides support and counselling if you need it. You may also wish to speak to a senior colleague. In any event, it is highly advisable that the report is conveyed to your head of school and/or the senior tutor, in confidence – preferably via a face-to-face meeting if possible.
Warning
This recipe is based on University of Edinburgh procedures. If you work elsewhere, check your own institution’s policies.