Sexual violence is any incident of unwanted sexual contact. It includes rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse and sexual harassment.
If you have experienced any form of sexual violence, whatever the circumstances, whenever it happened, it was not your fault. There is help and support available so you can make your own decision about what happens next.
Sexual violence may include, but is not limited to:
- rape
- sexual assault – this can include inappropriately touching someone without their consent, unwanted kissing, and/or making someone take part in a sexual activity with them without their consent
- childhood sexual abuse
- sexual harassment – any unwanted sexual behaviour that makes someone feel scared, upset, offended or humiliated
- 'revenge porn'
- 'flashing' or cyber-flashing
More information
Dignity at Work and Study General Guidance
Dignity at Work and Study General Guidance [PDF 465KB]
This provides information on rights, responsibilities, and expected behaviour
Dignity at Work and Study Policy
Dignity at Work and Study Procedure and Guidance for Staff. [PDF 243KB]
This gives information on the possible sanctions in response to unacceptable behaviour
Student Behaviour and Discipline
Student Behaviour and Discipline [PDF 168KB]
This gives information on the possible sanctions in response to unacceptable behaviour
Code of Student Discipline
Code of Student Discipline [PDF 303KB]
Policy on Relationships between Staff and Students
Policy on Relationships between Staff ad Students [PDF 195KB]
This intends to ensure that the staff-student relationship is one that is founded on mutual trust, confidence and respect
Student Complaints Policy
Student Complaints Policy [PDF 296KB]
Grievance Resolution Policy and Procedure for Staff
Grievance Resolution Policy and Procedure
Changing the Culture
Learn more about Changing the Culture at Queen Mary.
What to do if you are experiencing bullying or harassment:
DO NOT STAY SILENT! Queen Mary has zero tolerance for all forms of sexual violence.
Who can I speak to at the Blizard Institute?
If you’re happy to speak to your Line Manager, they should be your first port of call.
Consider talking to a Dignity and Respect Champion (DRC) in relation to your issue. The Blizard Dignity and Respect Champion is Louisa James (louisa.james@qmul.ac.uk). Talking with a DRC will clarify the options available to you and should help you to decide on the best way forward for you. The DRC will get in touch with you to make an appointment to meet and will provide guidance, assistance and advice on the courses of action available. See webpage for more details.
If you are not comfortable speaking to your line manager or a DRC, there are several members of staff you can reach out to for support. You can contact:
What other support is available from Queen Mary, outside of the Blizard Institute?
Consider talking to a Sexual Assault and Harassment Adviser (SAHA). Talking with a SAHA will clarify the options available to you and should help you to decide on the best way forward for you
Details can be found on the Welfare web pages.
You can also:
You may be contacted by staff from Council Secretariat and/or Human Resources to discuss your options for further support and/or disciplinary investigation.
What happens next?
A meeting to discuss your situation and to get support. If it is necessary to gather further information/evidence before making a decision, you will be informed about the time scale of the subsequent actions.
Outcomes might involve:
- an informal warning
- a referral for support
- talking to your about the option to make a formal complaint
During the meeting(s) you and your chosen contact person will discuss/decide the best approach to take.
You can also report incidents of bullying or harassment anonymously
Report the incident anonymously
Please note: As no personally identifiable details are provided, you cannot be contacted to receive any advice or support.
It is always best to speak to someone if you feel you can.
Additional support channels
Confidential counselling is available to all Queen Mary staff through the University’s Employee Assistance Programme helpline.
Employees can also seek support and advice from the relevant HR Partner on the application of the Grievance Resolution Policy and Procedure at any stage.
Trade unions can also provide representation and support.
What to do if you are experiencing bullying or harassment:
DO NOT STAY SILENT! Queen Mary has zero tolerance for all forms of sexual violence.
Who can I speak to at the Blizard Institute?
If you’re happy to speak to your Personal Tutor (UG or PGT students), or your Supervisor (PGR students) they should be your first port of call.
Consider talking to a Dignity and Respect Champion (DRC) in relation to your issue. The Blizard Dignity and Respect Champion is Louisa James (louisa.james@qmul.ac.uk). Talking with a DRC will clarify the options available to you and should help you to decide on the best way forward for you. The DRC will get in touch with you to make an appointment to meet and will provide guidance, assistance and advice on the courses of action available. See webpage for more details.
If you are not comfortable speaking to your line manager or a DRC, there are several members of staff you can reach out to for support. You can contact:
What other support is available from Queen Mary, outside of the Blizard Institute?
Consider talking to a Sexual Assault and Harassment Adviser (SAHA). Talking with a SAHA will clarify the options available to you and should help you to decide on the best way forward for you
Details can be found on the Welfare web pages.
You can also:
You may be contacted by staff from Student and Academic Services, Academic Registry and Council Secretariat to discuss your options for further support and/or disciplinary investigation.
What happens next?
A meeting to discuss your situation and to get support. If it is necessary to gather further information/evidence before making a decision, you will be informed about the time scale of the subsequent actions.
Outcomes might involve:
- an informal warning
- a referral for support
- talking to your about the option to make a formal complaint
During the meeting(s) you and your chosen contact person will discuss/decide the best approach to take.
You can also report incidents of bullying or harassment anonymously
Report the incident anonymously
Please note: As no personally identifiable details are provided, you cannot be contacted to receive any advice or support.
It is always best to speak to someone if you feel you can.
Additional support channels
Students at Queen Mary can find support from:
