Some things may feel a lot harder to talk to someone about than others.  You may feel ashamed, embarrassed, worried about what might happen.  You may also feel vulnerable, angry or somehow responsible.   All of these are normal feelings and is usually how the person wants or expects you to feel.  It does not mean that it is your fault.  There are specialist services available to support you, whatever you have experienced. Accessing support is entirely your choice. The information below is there is help you make an informed decision about what is right for you.  Remember, you don't have to deal with it alone.

You may know what your next steps will be, or feel uncertain about what could happen if you say something.  We've listed a few options below, so you can make a choice that is right for you. 

Harassment and Misconduct Team: our specialist, experienced team can talk through your options, including support available. They can talk through what you need to feel safe and explain what would happen if you choose to make a complaint. They can also help with practical issues such as finding safe accommodation or mitigating circumstances as well as make personal referrals to other services that can help with your emotional and physical wellbeing. practical issues such financial support or help if your academic studies/work is impacted. You will be supported by a named advisor, who can be a main point of contact to help you when you need additional support or updates on your case if you choose to make a complaint. The service is confidential and your information would not be shared (unless there are any Safeguarding concerns, for example if any vulnerable children or adults could be at risk). You can contact the team at reportandsupport@leeds.ac.uk or by completing our disclosure form.

Leeds University Union (LUU) Advice team:  are independent of the university.  Staff have experience of supporting students in all these areas and they will understand the impact on you.  An advisor can talk through your options and support you through whatever decision you make. They can also support you deal with practical issues such as concerns about your accommodation, accessing financial and wellbeing support and/or impact on your academic studies.  The service is confidential, information is not shared with anyone without your consent (unless there is an immediate risk to you or someone else). Information on how to access the service is on our Support Page.

Talk to the University’s Police Higher Education Liaison Officer: PC Laura Beaton is based on campus full time and her role is to offer help, advice and support to students and staff on campus. PC Laura Beaton can listen to your experience and talk you through what may happen if you decided to make a formal complaint. Talking to Laura does not commit you to taking any further action. You can arrange to speak to Laura anonymously through the University’s Harassment and Misconduct Team or LUU.   Information on how to access the service is on our Support Page.

There are different ways you can tell someone what you have experienced.

Report and Support: you can make an anonymous disclosure or request support from the Harassment and Misconduct Team. By providing your contact details an adviser will be able to explain the options and support available to you, in confidence. If you choose to disclose anonymously, we won't be able to contact you and it is unlikely we will take action.

Report to the Police: you can do this by speaking directly with the Campus PC, Laura Beaton by emailing l.beaton@leeds.ac.uk or calling on 07719417879 (8am — 4pm, Monday to Friday). You can also contact the Police directly by phoning 101 or doing an online chat with the 101 service (this can be quicker to get through) - https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101LiveChat.

Make a complaint to the university (if you are a student): if the person you wish to make the complaint about is a current registered student at the University of Leeds, you can make a complaint to the university under the Dignity and Mutual Respect Policy. This would be received by the Student Cases team, who will get in touch with you to talk through your complaint and explain the next steps of the process. You can email studentcomplaints@leeds.ac.uk for more information. Where students wish to engage with the university complaints process, we would encourage you to speak with the Harassment and Misconduct team reportandsupport@leeds.ac.uk or LUU Advice at advice@luu.leeds.ac.uk

If the person you wish to make a complaint about is a member of staff at the university you can also make a complaint under the Dignity and Mutual Respect Policy.  For further guidance and independent support please contact LUU Help and Support at advice@luu.leeds.ac.uk

Make a complaint to the university (if you are a staff member): if you wish to make a complaint against another member of staff you can talk to your Line Manager in the first instance.  Alternatively, please contact your local HR Officer or Manager to discuss your concerns. They will be able to discuss these issues with you sensitively and without involving your manager initially. In many cases, however, your manager may need to become involved at a later stage, as this is often necessary to investigate or address issues that are raised. You can find out the details of your local HR Officer on the HR website.

View the University's Emergency Contacts

View the University of Leeds Dignity and Mutual Respect policy

Information about support can be found in our Support Articles.