Sexual assault and harassment
The ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ 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 ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ 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
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
External Support
- provide free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support to people in Bedfordshire, including forensic medical examinations and access to specialist counselling 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.
- offer a wide-range of advisory, information, practical and holistic support services to women and girls in Bedfordshire.
- 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 . Concerns will be viewed by senior management at the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ and your concerns will be fed in to the appropriate team to respond to you
- If you wish to make a formal complaint against a staff or student at the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½, there are formal processes to do this. They can be found on the complaints section of the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ website
1 in 4 people isÌýaffected 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,Ìýfind out more on the support available for mental health and wellbeing
telephone
ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ switchboard
During office hours
(Monday-Friday 08:30-17:00)
+44 (0)1234 400 400
Outside office hours
(Campus Watch)
+44 (0)1582 74 39 89
Admissions
admission@beds.ac.uk
International office
international@beds.ac.uk
Student support
sid@beds.ac.uk
Registration
sid@beds.ac.uk
social media
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