Sexual Misconduct - It's happening to someone I know
Sexual misconduct is when someone with institutional power acts in a sexually inappropriate way towards someone with less institutional power. It is useful to familiarise yourself with the full definition.
If you know someone who is experiencing sexual misconduct at LSHTM, there are a number of ways you can support them.
LSHTM is committed to creating a safe and inclusive culture and will take actions to respond to and prevent it from happening.
THINK
- Are they in immediate danger? If they are in immediate danger or seriously injured, you can either contact the LSHTM security team on 0207 927 2555 if you are on site or the emergency services on 999 if you are offsite
- Find a safe space. If an incident has just happened try and find somewhere they feel safe. If this isn't possible and they are scared or fearful you can suggest they call security on 0207 927 2383.
TALK
- Listen. Just taking the time to listen to someone and talk about what has happened can help. These six active listening tips might help you support them (Published on Oct 4, 2015 Based on the Samaritans guidelines for active listening).
- Give options. When they have finished talking ask them if they are okay to talk through some possible options and next steps.
- Student Support Services. A member of the team can talk through LSHTM’s procedures, how to make a complaint and what support is available.
- Bullying and Harassment Advisors can talk through LSHTM’s procedures, how to make a complaint and what support is available, in confidence.
REPORT
- 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.
- Report the incident anonymously. You can call crime stoppers at any point on 0800 555 111 or use their online form.
- Report and Support. Students and staff can report an incident using the LSHTM’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can make a report with contact details. If you choose to report with contact details, a member of the Student Support and Welfare Team will be able to talk through the options and support available to you.
- Bullying and Harassment Policy. This document provides further information.
- School Complaints Procedure. If you choose to make a formal complaint to LSHTM about a student or member of staff there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow.
- Staff Grievance Policy for Academic Staff. If you choose to make a formal complaint to LSHTM about a member of academic staff there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow.
- Staff Grievance Policy for Professional Services Staff. If you choose to make a formal complaint to LSHTM about a member of professional services staff there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow.
- Whistleblowing Policy. Whistleblowing is the disclosure of information which relates to suspected wrongdoing or dangers at work. This policy should not be used for complaints relating to your own personal circumstances, such as the way you have been treated at work. In those cases you should use the Grievance Procedure or Anti-harassment and Bullying Policy as appropriate.
GET SUPPORT
If you know someone who is the target of sexual misconduct, there are a variety of support options available for them. It's important you take care of yourself too - you can also access student and/or staff wellbeing services for support.
LSHTM Support for Students
If you know someone who is the target of sexual misconduct, there are a variety of support options available for them. It's important you take care of yourself too - you can also access student and/or staff wellbeing services for support.
LSHTM Support for Students
- Student Support Services. The team offer confidential and non-judgemental space for students to discuss any issues that may be affecting their ability to study including adjustment to study/and or LSHTM accommodation; special exam arrangements and signposting or direct referrals to further support. SSS can refer students directly to Rape Crisis and Survivors UK for therapeutic support. In addition, they can provide short term counselling, psychiatric support and group therapy to deal with a range of personal, emotional and psychological concerns. To book an appointment click here
- Student Representatives of Council (SRC) Executive. The SRC Executive provide a key link between students and the governing body of LSHTM. They are available to speak to you if you are having any issues. Please contact them on srcexec@lshtm.ac.uk
- Your tutor. If you are a student you can talk to your tutor.
- Extenuating Circumstances. If you feel your studies have been affected by what has happened you can consider applying for extenuating circumstances. Your tutor or Teaching Support Office will be able to provide more information.
- Mental Health First Aiders – An MHFA can provide immediate mental health support.
- Bullying and Harassment Advisors can talk through LSHTM’s procedures, how to make a complaint and what support is available, in confidence.
LSHTM Support for Staff
- Only connect staff counselling service. A trained counsellor can meet with you to discuss any issue and all issues will be treated confidentially.
- HR Business Partner. If you are a member of staff or manager your HR business partner will be able to identify the support that’s available to you.
- Trade Unions. There are there trade unions that represent staff at LSHTM which are Unison, Unite and UCU.
- Mental Health First Aiders – An MHFA can provide immediate mental health support.
- Bullying and Harassment Advisors can talk through LSHTM’s procedures, how to make a complaint and what support is available, in confidence.
Other sources of support
- Respect Information and support for men who experience domestic violence. Advice line open Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm. Email: info@respectphoneline.org.uk
- Women and Girls Network Counselling and support to help women and girls recover from violence. Tel: 0808 801 0770
- Galop is a charity that support lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people affected by sexual and domestic violence. They run a London and National phone helpline as well as on online chat services Saturday & Sunday: 15:00 – 19:00.
- Respond helps children and adults with learning disabilities who have experienced abuse or trauma, as well as those who have abused others, through psychotherapy, advocacy and other support. Tel: 0 808 0700.
- Revenge Porn Helpline Open 10am – 4pm, Monday to Friday. Tel: 0345 600 0459.
- Victim Support Free and confidential support to help you deal with your experience, whether or not you report the crime. Also supports witnesses of crime. Tel: 0808 168 9111.
- Women’s Trust. Specialist domestic violence counselling in some borough, but support groups and workshops are pan-London.
- Survivors UK (National) Information, support and counselling for men and boys who have been raped or sexually abused. Helpline Web Chat Monday – Friday 10am – 9pm, Saturday to Sunday 10am – 6pm.
- Samaritans Talk to the Samaritans any time you like, in your own way, and off the record – about whatever’s getting to you. Tel: 116 123