Introduction
As a member of staff who works with students at London Met, it is possible that a student may disclose an experience of sexual violence or misconduct to you. This is likely to be a very difficult decision for the student to make and a sensitive and supportive response is vital. The guidance below is intended to assist you in managing the conversation and making the appropriate referrals to specialist support services.
As a member of staff who works with students at London Met, it is possible that a student may disclose an experience of sexual violence or misconduct to you. This is likely to be a very difficult decision for the student to make and a sensitive and supportive response is vital. The guidance below is intended to assist you in managing the conversation and making the appropriate referrals to specialist support services.
Report Vs Disclosure
A disclosure is where someone tells you about their experience but does not necessarily want action to be taken.
A disclosure is where someone tells you about their experience but does not necessarily want action to be taken.
A report is a way of officially lodging a complaint with the police and/or the University, to be followed up with potential action against the alleged perpetrator(s). Note that the University can only take action where the alleged perpetrator is a member of the University community, but we can still support.
A disclosing student should be given time to make an informed choice about whether or not to make a formal report to the police and/or to the University. Information about making a report to the police or the University can be found on the Sexual Violence & Misconduct webpages.
Confidentiality
You should listen to any disclosure sensitively and respect the decisions that a student makes. In normal circumstances, confidentiality should be maintained, but you should not promise absolute confidentiality. There are circumstances in which confidentiality must be broken: where there is a serious risk to a student’s safety or that of someone else, under our legal obligation in relation to terrorism and radicalisation, or because of a safeguarding issue. If you believe that there may be grounds to break confidentiality, you should contact the Head of Student Services for advice on a “no-name” basis.
You should listen to any disclosure sensitively and respect the decisions that a student makes. In normal circumstances, confidentiality should be maintained, but you should not promise absolute confidentiality. There are circumstances in which confidentiality must be broken: where there is a serious risk to a student’s safety or that of someone else, under our legal obligation in relation to terrorism and radicalisation, or because of a safeguarding issue. If you believe that there may be grounds to break confidentiality, you should contact the Head of Student Services for advice on a “no-name” basis.
Managing the Conversation
- Acknowledge their courage in disclosing the incident. Listen calmly and show your concern.
- Clarify the boundaries around confidentiality (see the “Confidentiality” section above).
- Allow them to talk at their own pace.
- Sensitively establish whether an incident has taken place in the last 7 days, to ensure a student does not miss the chance to have forensic evidence captured if they wish.
- Sensitively establish whether the student is currently safe - for example, does the student live with the alleged perpetrator and do they need alternative accommodation.
- Encourage them to explore the different support options available to them as outlined on the Sexual Violence & Misconduct webpages.
- Encourage them to contact Student Services for specialist advice and guidance
- Ask them what they would like to happen next; whether they are wanting to make a report, or simply wanting to access support. Refer them to the report and support tool and again to Student Services.
Things to avoid:
- Don’t interrupt them or ask for details of what happened, as they might not want to tell you everything.
- Avoid “what or why” questions that might be interpreted as blame or judgement, for example about what they were wearing or why they didn’t stop it from happening.
- Avoid expressing your own shock/upset/anger, as this may be misinterpreted by the survivor as something directed at them.
- Avoid putting pressure on them to follow a particular course of action, even if you believe it is the best thing to do.
Keeping a Record
Make a confidential record of the conversation in writing, for example a dated word document. Keep the summary factual and avoid recording any subjective views. Store the document securely where it cannot be accessed by others.
Make a confidential record of the conversation in writing, for example a dated word document. Keep the summary factual and avoid recording any subjective views. Store the document securely where it cannot be accessed by others.
Note: The record of the conversation may be used as evidence at a later date if the student chooses to report the incident to the police or the University, so it is important that it is factual and accurate. However, it is not expected that the record of the disclosure is taken by an expert in sexual violence or someone experienced in taking statements.
Please then report your concern via the University Report and Support tool,
Immediate Risk
In an emergency situation where there is an immediate risk to the student or others you should contact University Security (ext 3333), giving your name, the student’s name, your contact telephone number and exact location. Security will take over management of the situation from that point, including contacting the appropriate emergency services.
In an emergency situation where there is an immediate risk to the student or others you should contact University Security (ext 3333), giving your name, the student’s name, your contact telephone number and exact location. Security will take over management of the situation from that point, including contacting the appropriate emergency services.
If you feel that there is a safeguarding concern please report via the University Safeguarding procedure.
Looking after Yourself
Hearing a disclosure of sexual violence can be difficult. If you are in need of support, you can contact PAM Assist, the University’s employee assistance programme.
Hearing a disclosure of sexual violence can be difficult. If you are in need of support, you can contact PAM Assist, the University’s employee assistance programme.