Sexual and Gender Based Violence
Updated on: 8 September 2026
The University is committed to fostering a working and learning environment where everyone is treated with dignity, respect and fairness, and which is free from gender-based violence, bullying, harassment, discrimination, victimisation and other unwanted conduct.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger
Call the emergency services on 999 (dial 9999 from a University extension) if you or someone else is in physical danger or needs urgent medical help.
After contacting the emergency services and if you are on-site, call the University Security and Response Team on:
+44 (0)1334 46 8999 (dial 8999 from a University extension).
The team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Further support is available:
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For staff:
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visit the Dignity and Respect webpage for guidance on how to report unwanted behaviour to the University
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visit the specialist gender-based violence support services webpage to access various external support
- visit the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to access various support including access to trained counsellors. The helpline is free, confidential and available day or night, every day of the year.
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For students:
What is gender-based violence
The University has adopted the Scottish Government definition of gender-based violence (GBV).
Gender-based violence refers to violence, abuse or harmful behaviour that is rooted in gender inequality and unequal power relationships.
GBV can take many forms and may involve physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or coercive behaviour.
GBV can affect anyone. However, it disproportionately affects women and girls. People of all genders, including men, non-binary and gender-diverse individuals, may also experience gender-based violence.
Examples of GBV may include:
- domestic abuse or coercive control
- sexual assault or rape
- sexual harassment
- stalking
- sharing or threatening to share intimate images without consent
- threatening, intimidating or coercive behaviour
- unwanted sexual activity or conduct without consent
- repeated unwanted contact, monitoring or surveillance
The examples are illustrative and not exhaustive. Whether behaviour amounts to gender-based violence will depend on the circumstances. An example listed above does not automatically mean that GBV has occurred.
What should I do if I experience or witness GBV
If you witness GBV
Everyone has a role to play in creating and maintaining a respectful, inclusive and safe working environment.
If you witness GBV or other inappropriate behaviour, you may be able to:
- support the person affected
- encourage them to seek advice and support
- report concerns through the appropriate University reporting routes, including Report & Support
- cooperate with any informal or formal process where appropriate
If you experience or are affected by GBV
We understand that it can take great courage to disclose experiences of gender-based violence. If you experience or are affected by GBV, you do not have to deal with it alone. Support is available, and you are encouraged to seek advice and raise concerns as early as possible.
You will be listened to without judgement and given information to help you understand the options available to you. The University will support you in whatever course of action you choose.
You may wish to:
- speak to your line manager, another manager, HR or a trusted source of support
- seek advice through the University's Report & Support service and access information via the support section of the webpage
- access specialist GBV support services
- access the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), Occupational Health and wellbeing services
- report concerns formally where appropriate
- consider reporting criminal behaviour to the Police
What happens after you report
Following a report, you will have the opportunity to discuss the options available to you. Depending on the circumstances these may include:
Support
Informal or formal action
Where appropriate, concerns may be resolved informally or through formal University procedures.
Workplace adjustments
You may wish to request temporary adjustments to your working arrangements, for example flexible working arrangements, changes to working patterns or other measures to support your wellbeing and safety.
Reporting to the Police
Some forms of GBV may constitute criminal offences. If you wish, the University can support you in reporting concerns to the Police.
If a Police investigation is underway, the University may delay its own investigation to avoid interfering with legal processes. However, steps may still be taken where necessary to protect the safety of individuals.
Safe leave
Further information is available within the Special Leave guidance.
Links to external sites and information
The University is not liable for external web content and may not be aware when this content is changed or removed.