Sexual Misconduct and Harassment

Sexual Violence Liaison Officer Service

Our Sexual Violence Liaison Officer (SVLO) service provides both emotional and practical support for students affected by sexual violence or misconduct. This includes both recent and historic cases of sexual violence. We handle all disclosures with sensitivity, confidentiality, and discretion. Information will only be shared without your consent in exceptional circumstances where safeguarding action is required to protect you or others.

We take a survivor-led approach, meaning we will listen to you, respect your choices, and support you in deciding what happens next. You are never required to report to the police unless you choose to do so. Our role is to guide you through the support options available and help you access the services that are right for you.

We support students who have experienced any form of sexual violence, regardless of when or where it occurred—whether before or during your studies, and whether on or off campus. Our service is independent from external specialist organisations.

With your consent, we can support you with:

• Access to counselling and medical services
• Academic adjustments
• Understanding your reporting options
• Navigating university systems and support services
• Referrals to external specialist organisations support such as Survive, Ascend and Galop

Please note that this service operates during standard opening hours and is not a crisis service.

To access support, please contact Student Services and request to speak with a Sexual Violence Liaison Officer. A member of the team will respond promptly to arrange an initial appointment.

If you have experienced sexual assault recently, you may wish to contact your local Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), which offers 24/7 support. You can access their services whether or not you choose to report to the police.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 999.

Sexual violence and Misconduct Support Guide

Experiencing sexual violence or misconduct can be deeply distressing. People respond in many different ways, and there is no “right” or “wrong” reaction. This guide is designed to help you understand common responses, explore available options, and access support in a way that feels right for you.

Sexual Misconduct

GBS defines sexual misconduct as any unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature. This may include:

• Sexual harassment
• Sexual assault or rape
• Unwanted sexual advances
• Coercion, intimidation, or pressure for sexual activity
• Offering benefits in exchange for sexual favours
• Sharing intimate or explicit images without consent

Sexual misconduct can happen in many contexts, including:

• Between students
• Between staff members
• Between students and staff
• Involving visitors, contractors, or third parties

GBS supports reports involving incidents that occur both on and off campus, including:

• Placements, field trips, or study abroad programmes
• Student events or sports activities
• Online environments or social platforms connected to GBS
• Student accommodation or related spaces

This includes online harassment or digital misconduct that impacts the wellbeing or safety of members of the GBS community. GBS is committed to providing a safe, respectful environment and ensuring concerns are taken seriously.

1. Common Responses

   After experiencing sexual violence or assault, you may experience emotional, physical, or psychological effects. These can vary from person to person and may change over time.

   Some common feelings include:

   • Shock or numbness
   • Fear or anxiety
   • Sadness or low mood
   • Anger or frustration
   • Shame or embarrassment
   • Confusion
   • Difficulty concentrating
   • Feeling unsafe
   • Changes in sleep or appetite

   Some people may also experience:

   • Panic attacks
   • Difficulty trusting others
   • Feeling isolated or disconnected
   • Physical symptoms such as headaches or nausea

   These reactions are common responses to trauma, and support is available whether your experience was recent or happened in the past.

   It is important to remember:

   You are not to blame for what happened.

2. Talking to Someone

   Speaking to a trusted person or professional can be an important step toward support and recovery. You may choose to speak with:

   • A trusted friend or family member
   • GBS safeguarding or wellbeing staff
   • Medical professionals
   • Specialist support services

   You are in control of what you choose to share and when.

3. Practical Steps After Sexual Violence

   If you have experienced sexual violence, you may wish to consider medical support, emotional support, or reporting options.

   Medical Support

   Seeking medical care can help address:

   • Physical injuries
   • Sexual health concerns
   • Emergency contraception
   • Forensic evidence collection

   Medical professionals can provide confidential support even if you do not wish to report to the police.

   Reporting Options

   Reporting is a personal decision. Some people choose to report because it may:

   • Help them feel more in control
   • Provide access to justice
   • Increase safety
   • Support healing

   If you are considering reporting, specialist services such as Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) can offer confidential advice and forensic support without pressure.

4. Available Support Services

   Emergency

   • Police: 999

   Immediate Specialist Support

   • Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC)
   • NHS services
   • GP or hospital services

   Additional Support

   • Rape Crisis
   • Safeline
   • SurvivorsUK
   • Galop (LGBTQ+ support)
   • Local independent sexual violence advisors (ISVAs)

   GBS students can also access internal safeguarding, wellbeing, and student support services.

5. GBS Commitment

   GBS is committed to:

   • Preventing harassment and sexual misconduct
   • Providing clear reporting pathways
   • Supporting students and staff
   • Offering regular safeguarding and misconduct training
   • Creating a safe and inclusive environment for all

   All students complete mandatory harassment and sexual misconduct training at the start of their studies, with annual refresher sessions. Staff also receive specialist training to respond appropriately and sensitively.

Harassment can take many forms. For Report and Support, GBS understands harassment in line with UK law and includes the following:

Harassment, including sexual harassment (Equality Act 2010): This includes unwanted behaviour that makes someone feel intimidated, threatened, humiliated, or offended, or that violates their dignity. It may be related to a protected characteristic such as age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Harassment (Protection from Harassment Act 1997): This refers to repeated behaviour, or a pattern of behaviour, that causes someone alarm or distress. Harassment can also include actions that may appear minor in isolation but become harmful when repeated over time.

Harassment may be considered to have occurred if:

• The person engaging in the behaviour knows it amounts to harassment; or
• A reasonable person, with the same information, would consider the behaviour to be harassment.

Harassment may be treated as a breach of the GBS Student Conduct Policy and/or addressed under the Complaints Procedure, depending on the circumstances.