Assault
If you’ve been assaulted, it can leave you feeling hurt, frightened, anxious, angry or isolated. There’s no right or wrong way to feel, and you can do something about it.
Assault is unacceptable, against university policies and is likely to be unlawful too.
What is assault?
Assault of any kind is never okay. If you or someone you know has been affected by assault, we encourage you to seek support.
Assault can take many forms, including verbal, physical, and sexual assault. Some forms of assault may also constitute criminal offences or hate crimes.
Verbal assault
Verbal assault involves using threatening, abusive or insulting language with the intention of causing someone harassment, alarm or distress.
Physical assault
Physical assault is any act where a person intentionally or recklessly causes another person to suffer, or to fear, immediate unlawful violence. The term “assault” is often used to include battery, which means the intentional or reckless application of unlawful physical force to another person.
Sexual assault
Sexual assault is a criminal offence and is contrary to the University’s code of conduct. A person commits sexual assault if they intentionally touch another person, the touching is sexual, and the person does not consent.
It includes all unwanted physical contact of a sexual nature — from pinching, groping, and unwanted kissing to rape and sexual assault involving penetration without consent.
Consent means agreeing by choice, with the freedom and capacity to make that choice.
- A person has the freedom to choose if nothing bad would happen to them for saying no.
- Capacity means being physically and/or mentally able to make that decision and understand its consequences.
I have been assaulted
Your safety and wellbeing
Are you in danger?If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured, you can contact the emergency services on 999 (or 112 from a mobile phone).
Find a safe space.If an incident has just happened, try to find somewhere you feel safe or be with someone you trust.
Seek support.Consider whether you need medical or emotional support (e.g., from a friend, family member or professional). Further information about support services [insert link].
Document what happened
- Write down what happened as soon as you can, including dates, times, places, and any witnesses.
- Keep any evidence (e.g., messages, emails, photos).
This can be helpful whether or not you decide to report it.
Consider reporting and seeking a resolution
Report + SupportStudents, staff and visitors can share the details of an incident [insert link] using the University’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously, or you can report with your name and contact details to request support from an advisor.
If you choose to talk to an advisor, they will be able to talk through the options and support available to you, in confidence. This includes your options to report to the police.
University procedures and resolutionIf you choose to make a report to the University about a student or member of staff, there are procedures that set out the steps you’ll need to follow and the possible resolutions available to you. Further information about procedures and resolution options [insert link].
Share anonymouslyYou can choose to share anonymously, meaning no identifying information has to be shared. This option also includes the ability to opt into continued communication with a caseworker [insert link]. Further information about anonymous reporting [insert link].
Share with contact detailsYou can choose to share your experience and give your contact details so that you get a direct response. You can choose who your report goes to [insert link].
Take your time
You don’t have to make decisions straight away. It’s okay to take the time you need to think about what’s right for you.
Take the time to read and understand what your options are. Request to speak to an advisor through Report + Support and discuss your options.
Where to get support
- University counselling and wellbeing services [insert link]
- Student or staff support services [insert link]
- External specialist services and national helplines [insert link]
- Sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) offer medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused. SARCs have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers to care for you.
You can get help from a SARC by booking an appointment with your nearest one.
Find your nearest sexual assault referral centre (SARC)
Someone I know has been assaulted
Any form of assault is never okay.
Listen without judgement or interruption
Let them lead the conversation — focus on what they want to share.
Avoid asking “why” questions that could sound like blame.
Use phrases like:
- “Thank you for telling me.”
- “That shouldn’t have happened to you.”
- “I’m here for you.”
Believe them
One of the most powerful things you can do is believe them.
Assault is often minimised or dismissed by others; don’t contribute to that.
Avoid playing down what happened or making excuses for the perpetrator.
Understand the context
Assault can happen in many forms and may be part of wider patterns of harassment, discrimination or abuse of power.
Acknowledge that their experience is real and valid, even if you can’t fully understand it.
Offer practical help and options
Ask what they would like from you:
- “Do you require medical attention?”
- “Would you like help reporting this?”
- “Do you want me to come with you to speak to someone?”
- “Would you like me to just sit with you while you decide?”
Help them explore their options, but don’t pressure them to take any particular action.
Respect their decisions
Whether they choose to report or not, that’s their choice.
If they don’t feel safe or ready to report, respect that decision.
Unless there’s an immediate risk of further violence, in which case you may wish to report to university security or the police. Always tell the person who has confided in you that you are doing this and why.
Look after yourself too
Supporting someone through a difficult experience can also take an emotional toll on you. It’s okay to seek support yourself (without breaking their confidentiality).
Know your limits of how much you can support someone and what is too much for you to offer.