Sexual misconduct and safeguarding
Ravensbourne takes its responsibility to prevent sexual misconduct and address concerns raised by students and staff seriously.
The Office for Students defines sexual misconduct as all unwanted conduct of a sexual nature. This may be from other students or staff or visitors to the University.
The perpetrator may be a stranger, or someone they know. The misconduct can occur through any medium (including online) and in any setting.
The Ravensbourne Code of Conduct, contained within our General Academic Regulations, outlines the expectations the University has related to sexual misconduct:
- not to engage in acts of violence and abuse (which can involve control, coercion or threats) or stalking
- students should be respected and live without fear of unwanted conduct of a sexual nature
- not to victimise someone for supporting an individual who has made a complaint as a result of unwanted conduct of a sexual nature.
Furthermore the University defines sexual misconduct to include any conduct of a sexual nature which occured phyiscally, verbally, in writing or online an includes but is not limited to the following:
- Engaging, or attempting to engage, in a sexual act with another without their consent
Sexually touching another person without their consent - Conduct of a sexual nature which creates (or could create) an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for others including making unwanted remarks of a sexual nature
- Inappropriately showing sexual organs to another person
- Repeatedly following another person without good reason
- Recording and/or sharing intimate images or recordings of another person without their consent
- Arranging or participating in events aimed at degrading those who have experienced sexual violence, for example inappropriately themed social events or initiations; and
- Spreading rumours about a person's sex life.
Support around sexual misconduct
Safeguarding Contacts at Ravensbourne
Contacting Ravensbourne with any issue, including concerns around sexual misconduct, should not prevent you from contacting emergency services. In any situation where you feel a student or another member of the public is in immediate danger please contact 999.
If you have any concerns about your own welfare or that of another student please contact one of Ravensbourne’s designated safeguarding leads.
Lucy McLeod
Head of Student Services
07568 103666
[email protected]
Jim Valentine
Deputy Head of Student Services
07808 205058
[email protected]
You may also want to return to our Concerns and Complaints homepage or our Safeguarding homepage to read more about how Ravensbourne can support you and listen to your concerns.