A person commits sexual assault if they intentionally touch another person, the touching is sexual and the person does not consent.
It involves all unwanted physical contact of a sexual nature and ranges from pinching, embracing, groping and kissing, to rape and serious sexual assault, which involves penetration without consent.
Consent
A person must have the capacity to give free agreement. Capacity is based on the person:
Being the right age
Being sober
Having the mental and physical ability to freely agree
Sex without consent is Never OK. What happened was not your fault, but you have the power to choose what happens next.
If you have been sexually assaulted, it may be hard to know what to do or how to feel.
It is important to remember that you have the power to choose what you want to do. This can include reporting to police, reporting to UEA, not reporting, or waiting to report at a later time. Regardless of whether you decide to report or not, there is support to help you through the decisions you choose.
Report to the University and get Support.Students and staff can report an incident using the University’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can request support from an adviser. If you choose to talk to an adviser they will be able to talk through the options and support available to you, in confidence.
Report to The Harbour Centre. We recommend everyone who has been sexually assaulted contact the Harbour Centre, Norfolk's local independent Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). They have Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) who are trained to look after the needs of a survivor of rape or sexual violence to ensure they receive the best possible care and understanding. ISVAs are there to provide information to ensure an you can make a decision that is right for you.
Free and Confidential, you choose if you want to report to the police
The SARC can take and keep evidence for when, or if, you want to report to the police.
The Harbour Centre are independent of the police, but work closely with them
24/7 helpline 01603 276381 or email contact@theharbourcentre.co.uk
Reporting to the police. If you're thinking of reporting to the police, Rape Crisis have produced a useful list of things to think about.
Reporting the incident anonymously to the police. You can call crime stoppers at any point on 0800 555 111 or use their online form.
University Policies. If you choose to make a formal complaint to the University about a student or member of staff there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow.
Support
Talk to a friend. Talking things through with someone you trust can sometimes help.
Victim Support. If you report a crime to the police, they should automatically ask you if you would like help from an organisation like Victim Support. But anyone affected by crime can contact them directly – you don’t need to talk to the police to get Victim Support help.
For Students
Student Life Adviser. An adviser can talk through the University's procedures, how to make a complaint and what support is available, in confidence.
Residential Life Team. Whether it is your neighbourhood Student Services Resident (SSR) or the Duty SSR, if you are living in UEA residences there is someone to talk to.
The uea(su) Advice Serviceis a free, confidential service. Advisers can support students who have been named in a disciplinary report for breach of the General Regulations for Students, and can talk through the procedure, what options are available and help you complain if you are unhappy with the process.
Extenuating Circumstances. If you feel your studies have been affected by what has happened you can consider applying for extenuating circumstances.
For Staff
Human Resource Adviser. An adviser can talk through the options available whether the incident involved another staff member at UEA, a student, or a visitor to campus.
Health Assured - Employee Assistance Programme. This free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year service is available to all UEA students and staff. The programme offers confidential support independent from UEA, with professional consultation, counselling, information, resources and referrals to services in your local area.
Mental Health and Wellbeing 1 in 4 people is affected by a mental health problem in any year and it is estimated that around 1 in 5 people has contemplated suicide or self-harm.
Take care of yourself. It’s important that you take care of yourself. If you’ve heard something distressing or if something is troubling you, the University's Student Services Wellbeing Service. The University’s Counselling Service offers confidential help and is open to both students and staff.
Helping Others
Are worried about someone else who has been sexually assaulted?
If you think someone you know has been sexually assaulted, there are lots of ways in which you can help them.
If someone has been sexually assaulted their reactions can vary; they may be afraid, angry or have no outward reaction at all. They might even act in ways that seem unusual to you, even laughing at seemingly inappropriate times.
Disclosures can come in many forms; it could be something said jokingly, a story that someone starts to tell then stops and says it doesn't matter, or it could be a question. You are not expected to be a professional counsellor; however how someone responds to a first disclosure can be really important. It can take time for a person to decide what they want to do and how they want to move forward.
Think
Sexual assault is a crime of power and control. The most important thing is to respond in a way that maximises their choice and control over what happens next. You can simply ask them what they need or want. They might not make the same decision you would; however, only they can decide what is best for them. You can help them explore options, but avoid telling them what they should do.
Give options. When they have finished talking ask them if they are ok to talk through some possible options and next steps. Remember, it is important that theydecide what they want to do.
Remember
They might not want to report the assault to the police or the University. There are many reasons why someone may choose not to report sexual violence.
In most cases of sexual assault, the offender is known to the victim.
They might be concerned that people won’t believe them or may not identify what occurred as a sexual assault
They may be concerned who else might be informed.
They may have fear of or confusion about the criminal justice system or what happens if you report it to the University.
If drugs or alcohol were involved, they may choose not to report because they are worried they will get in trouble as well.
It is up to them to decide what they want to disclose and to whom. Your support can help them talk through their concerns.
Let them know that you believe them and support their decisions.
Remind them that no one, regardless of relationship or status, has the right to hurt them and that no matter what, it is not their fault that this occurred.
Connect them with resources that can help them understand what happens if you report to the police and or the University.
Things to avoid
Just saying "it’s not your fault" (without listening to the survivor's story)
Using key ‘catch phrases’ or common sayings – e.g. “it will all be better with time"
Probing for details. Let them tell you what has happened in their own time
Blaming them – e.g. “what were you wearing?” and “were you drinking?” or “did you text him to come over?”
Showing disgust or shock
Smirking and showing obvious disbelief
"Why didn’t you say straight away? Why are you only coming forward now?"
Trivialising the experience – “it was only a bit of fumbling”
