Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week: Understanding your Report + Support options
Content note: This article includes references to sexual abuse, sexual violence, harassment, and other forms of harmful behaviour that some readers may find upsetting. It also includes information about reporting options and support services. If you choose to continue reading, please take care of your wellbeing and reach out to Report + Support or the University Wellbeing Services.
No one should be subjected to sexual abuse or sexual violence. It can have a profound impact on your wellbeing and sense of safety in your daily life, and no one should have to face this alone.
Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week is about raising awareness, challenging harmful attitudes, and making sure you know where to turn for support. Whether something happened recently or in the past, whether it occurred on campus or off campus, and whether you’re unsure what to do next or how to feel, support is available.
How Report + Support helps
Clear information when you need it
The Report + Support webpages provide helpful information and definitions of harmful behaviours, including sexual violence, sexual harassment, hate, bullying, discrimination, assault, stalking, spiking, and domestic abuse. You can learn:
You’ll also find general FAQs, wellbeing support, University policies and guidance specifically for Postgraduate Researchers and UoB Sport & Fitness members.
A trained Responder to talk to
If you want to speak to someone through Report + Support, you can meet with one of our highly trained and experienced Responders.
Their role is to support you to explore your options, which could include wellbeing and academic support, practical advice, formal reporting options and safety planning. They can also signpost specialist services both at UoB and externally, so that you get the right support to meet your needs.
Submitting an online form through Report + Support is mainly about letting us know what happened and getting support. It does not automatically start University disciplinary action or formal investigation.
If you would like to make a complaint about the behaviour of a University of Birmingham student, that’s a separate process. You can find out more on in the Raising a Concern or Complaint section on our Intranet pages.
The Responder you meet with will also be able to help you understand this option, so you can choose what to do next.
Anonymous reporting
If you’re not ready to share your identity, you can submit an anonymous report. We recognise that speaking up can be difficult and we appreciate what it takes to talk about it and that anonymous reporting might feel more comfortable for you.
If you decide to remain anonymous, the University would not normally be able to take specific action in response to your report. However, the information you provide will still be very valuable. It can help us to better understand the number and types of incidents being reported, identify any patterns or trends, and to develop and implement targeted actions to help prevent harm in the future.
Your options, your choices, our support
Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week is a reminder that harmful behaviour is never your fault, and you deserve support that respects your choices.
If you’ve been subjected to any form of harmful behaviour Report + Support is here for you.
View the Report + Support pages for more.