When a student makes a disclosure of sexual or physical assault

What should you be aware of?

A situation of disclosure such as this is rare, but when it happens it is vitally important that a sensitive and effective response is made.

Any disclosures must be reported to the Cause for Concern team or the Designated Safeguarding Officer (see page 6).

Out of office hours, the concern can be referred to the Security Team. If the student does not give you permission to disclose, you may make the referral of the scenario without the student’s details – this will enable support specialists to consider options with you. You are not expected to be an expert in responding to disclosures of this kind, though here are some general ‘Do’s’ and ‘Don’ts’ to assist with any initial response:

What should you do? What should you not do?

What happens next?

Once you have made a referral, the support specialists will take appropriate action. Information-sharing protocols mean that you will not always know what action has been taken, though the referrer will be kept informed wherever possible and appropriate.