Any form of sexual violence, such as misconduct, assault or harassment is never okay.
If you think you have been the target of sexual misconduct, assault or harassment, it may be hard to know what to do or how to feel. What happened was not your fault. What you do next is your choice.
Think
- Are you in immediate 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 and find somewhere you feel safe.
- What is sexual violence? Sexual violence is any form of sexual activity that happens without your consent. Find out more here
Reporting sexual violence - if you choose to
- Report to the police: Sexual violence is a criminal offence. You can report the incident to the police, but you do not have to - it's your choice. You may wish to talk to a friend, family member or support service (such as Student Services, or an external service or advice line) first. If you do make the decision to report to the police, they will also be able to offer support. Their first priority will be to check on your wellbeing and see if you need any medical assistance. You will be assigned a designated officer to support you throughout their investigation. Find out more about reporting sexual violence to the police.
- Report + Support. Students and staff can report an incident using the School’s Report + Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can report with contact details for advice and practical support. If you choose to report with contact details, a School member of staff will be able to talk through the options and support available to you, in confidence.
- School procedure. If you decide to make a formal report to the School about a student or staff member, specific procedures are in place to guide you through the process. The procedures will vary depending on whether you are reporting a student or a staff member. The appropriate team will be able to advise.
School support
Whatever the circumstances - whatever you were wearing or doing, whether you had been drinking or using drugs - what has happened is not your fault. Your safety and wellbeing are the most important things, and there is confidential and non-judgemental support available, whenever you are ready to access it.
Support For Students
- If you have experienced any sort of unwanted sexual behaviour, Student Services offers confidential support to think about your physical and mental health and wellbeing needs. We can help you to arrange medical aftercare and other follow up support. We can offer you space to explore your options to report the incident, should you wish to do so.
Safeguarding
What is safeguarding?
- Safeguarding is defined as protecting someone’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.
- It is also about preventing and responding to concerns of abuse, harm, or neglect.
Support For Staff
HR - If you are a member of staff your HR Business Partner will be able to identify the support that’s available for you.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a confidential employee service providing support for a wide range of personal and professional challenges that may be affecting your work life, health and general wellbeing. The EAP can connect you with qualified professionals for counselling and other support services.
Trade Unions - There are two trade unions that represent staff, GMB and UNITE. Staff who are members can contact them for support and advice.
City of London Corporation Occupational Health offers short term psychological support for staff including confidential counselling. Occupational Health can provide advice and direct staff to appropriate services. Email: TC-Occup.Health@cityoflondon.gov.uk.
Dignity at Work Advisers are trained to provide advice and support to those who feel that they have been subjected to bullying or harassment.
As employees of the City of London Corporation, Guildhall School staff can join a number of staff network groups. They are a fantastic way to network with people, build contacts, share experiences, arrange events and socialise.
HR - If you are a member of staff your HR Business Partner will be able to identify the support that’s available for you.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a confidential employee service providing support for a wide range of personal and professional challenges that may be affecting your work life, health and general wellbeing. The EAP can connect you with qualified professionals for counselling and other support services.
Trade Unions - There are two trade unions that represent staff, GMB and UNITE. Staff who are members can contact them for support and advice.
City of London Corporation Occupational Health offers short term psychological support for staff including confidential counselling. Occupational Health can provide advice and direct staff to appropriate services. Email: TC-Occup.Health@cityoflondon.gov.uk.
Dignity at Work Advisers are trained to provide advice and support to those who feel that they have been subjected to bullying or harassment.
As employees of the City of London Corporation, Guildhall School staff can join a number of staff network groups. They are a fantastic way to network with people, build contacts, share experiences, arrange events and socialise.
External Support Services
Support is available at the School, and you can also, or alternatively, access support externally.
The Havens are specialist centres in London for anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted.
The Havens can offer you:
Support is available at the School, and you can also, or alternatively, access support externally.
The Havens are specialist centres in London for anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted.
The Havens can offer you:
- First aid and advice.
- Emergency contraception.
- Specialist support and practical advice.
- A forensic medical examination to collect evidence about the assault. It’s up to you if you want this – you do not have to have one.
- Medical aftercare including testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Specialist support that includes counselling, psychology and advocacy, to help you in the days and months after the assault.