Sexual assault and harassment

The University has zero tolerance of any forms of sexual violence or harassment, both in person and online. This includes (but is not limited to) stalking, sexual harassment, verbal abuse, drink spiking, physical harm, domestic abuse, revenge porn or rape.

If you or someone you know has been victim – or has any concerns about sexual violence or sexual harassment – you can speak in confidence to a member of staff at the university who is specially trained as a SASH (Sexual Assault & Sexual Harassment) Responder.

The SASH Responder will not push for details, make assumptions or take any action without your consent – unless it is perceived that there is a significant risk to you or others. Their role is to listen and provide practical advice and support about the options open to you, including how to make a formal complaint to the University and/or the police should you choose to do so.

If you would like to speak to a SASH Responder, you can contact the Student Information Desk, Reception or a member of security who will arrange this for you.

Tell us what happened

Report a concern

Internal Support

SASH Responder provide immediate help and advice to any student who has been victim or has concerns relating to sexual violence or harassment and will refer to both internal and external agencies for ongoing support.
Student Engagement Advisors offer support and advice on any issues impacting on your academic studies and will signpost to more specialist services, as appropriate. Appointments can be arranged by contacting the Student Information Desk.
Beds SU's Advice Service offers confidential, impartial advice and information on academic and personal issues, including advice on procedures and representation at meetings
The People and Culture team are available for staff to report any form of sexual assault or harassment at P&C@beds.ac.uk Staff can also refer to the University's Dignity and Respect at Work Policy [PDF] to find out more about what the University expects from it's staff and how to address harassment.
Staff Wellbeing and Support - Please refer to the staff wellbeing and support pages

External Support

Emerald Centre Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) provide free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support to people in Bedfordshire, including forensic medical examinations and access to specialist counselling support.
Victim Support in Bedfordshire provide domestic abuse support services and have an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) based in Luton, Bedford and at Bedford Hospital. They also have a 24/7 Support line for support with all types of crime.
Luton All Women’s Centre offer a wide-range of advisory, information, practical and holistic support services to women and girls in Bedfordshire.
Survivors UK runs the National Male Survivors Online helpline, offering support for men, boys and non-binary people who have experienced sexual abuse.

Support and Report - Students and staff can report an incident using the University’s Support and Report form. Concerns will be viewed by senior management at the University and your concerns will be fed in to the appropriate team to respond to you
The People and Culture team are available for staff to report any form of sexual assault at P&C@beds.ac.uk Staff can also refer to the University's Dignity and Respect at Work Policy [PDF] to find out more about what the University expects from it's staff and how to address harassment.
Staff Wellbeing and Support - Please refer to the staff wellbeing and support pages
If you wish to make a formal complaint against a staff or student at the University, there are formal processes to do this. They can be found on the complaints section of the University website

1 in 4 people is affected by a mental health problem in any year and it is estimated that around 1 in 5 people has contemplated suicide or self-harm. It’s important that you take care of yourself. If you’ve heard something distressing or if something is troubling you, find out more on the support available for mental health and wellbeing

Information about staff wellbeing and support is available on the intranet

All new students are enrolled in a micro-learning course that covers harassment & sexual misconduct and provides students with easy-to-remember advice and the relevant reporting processes at the University of Bedfordshire.