Sexual assault and harassment

• Sexual harassment as defined by Section 26(2) Equality Act 2010;
• Assault as defined by the Sexual Offences Act 2003;
• Rape as defined by the Sexual Offences Act 2003;
• Physical unwanted sexual advances as set out by the Equality and Human Rights Commission: Sexual harassment and the law, 2017;
• Intimidation or promising resources or benefits in return for sexual favours as set out by the Equality and Human Rights Commission: Sexual harassment and the law, 2017;
• Distributing private and personal explicit images or video footage of an individual without their consent as defined by the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015.

The Sexual Assault and Harassment Advisor (SAHA) provides confidential, non-judgemental support to any student who has experienced sexual assault, harassment, or abuse, regardless of when or where it occurred. 

The SAHA offers a safe space to talk, helps you understand your experience, explore options at your own pace, and supports you through reporting to BU or police if you choose - but there is no pressure to report. 

Students can also make anonymous reports to help inform prevention efforts, and SAHA can assist with accessing medical care, counselling, forensic options, and specialist external support, with confidentiality maintained unless there is a serious risk of harm.

To contact the SAHA, please email [email protected].

There are services that can help if you've been sexually assaulted, raped or abused. Visit the NHS website for details.

STARS Dorset (Sexual Trauma and Recovery Service), provide support for those who have experienced sexual trauma. More information and contact details can be found on the website, or you can attend one of the regular drop-ins at BU: 

• Every Thursday from 10am - 4pm, all year round on the ground floor of the Student Centre on Talbot Campus
• First Tuesday of every month from 10am-12pm at the University Retreat

The Shores provide a free one to one support to anyone of any age or gender who lives, works, or studies in Dorset who has experienced any form of sexual violence in their life – whether recent or non-recent. Support is available even if you do not wish to report the incident to the police.  The Shores are contactable 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year by phone at 0800 970 9954.

You can find more information on their website, or attend their regular drop-in at BU on the first Tuesday of every month between 11am-1pm at the University Retreat.

The University Front Room is based on Talbot Campus and provides support for students who are struggling to cope or in crisis. It provides a confidential, safe, and welcoming space where you can speak to support workers, volunteers, and peer specialists. No appointment is needed.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 2pm to 9pm (closed for the summer from 7 July until 8 September)
Location: Tolpuddle Annexe 2, Talbot Campus 

The university takes a zero-tolerance approach to any form of harassment or sexual misconduct  and we will consider taking action against any student or staff member who is deemed to have breached the Student Disciplinary Procedures or our Staff Dignity & Respect (Harassment) Policy and Procedure. 

We are committed to protecting students from any actual or potential conflict of interest and/or abuse of power that may arise from intimate personal relationships with staff. Our Staff-Student relationship policy bans personal relationships between staff and students. Some exceptions are made in very limited circumstances, however all relationships must be declared by the staff member so any potential conflicts can be managed. 

Bournemouth University do not and will not use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in relation to complaints of harassment or sexual misconduct.