Escalating disclosures of gender-based violence
Following a disclosure, you can refer the student to the Equally Safe Team. Should the student not wish to be referred to the team you can contact the Equally Safe Team for advice and guidance.
Support from the Equally Safe Team
The Equally Safe Team can support students directly, or provide support through other members of staff who may have an existing relationship with the student. If the student agrees to their details being shared in confidence with the team, you can contact us on their behalf. We are also able to support and advise you on cases of concern should a student wish to remain anonymous. Due to the nature and impact of GBV, our team can offer open- ended support (e.g. if there are ongoing and protracted criminal justice proceedings) and can also consider re-referrals and engagement in case conference meetings to discuss wider wellbeing and safety issues.
The Equally Safe Team is available for students to contact directly; however, they may choose to disclose to their Student Adviser, a member of staff within their student halls, or a different staff member. To support staff to have the knowledge, skills and confidence to identify, manage and escalate disclosures of GBV safely, there are online training modules available. Additionally, we have summarised best practice guidance which outlines the key information to consider when receiving a disclosure.
If a student does not wish to be referred to the Equally Safe Team at this stage
If a student does not wish to be referred to the Equally Safe Team at this stage and you have concerns for their ongoing physical or emotional safety, or concerns for an external party based on the information shared by the student, you can raise this with your line manager or follow internal escalation procedures relevant to your school or area of work.
Disclosures of recent assaults can be time-sensitive so it is advised that if escalation is required, this is done as soon as possible.
Does the student wish to make a report?
If students report a recent sexual assault, it is vital that they are made aware of the 7-day window to receive a forensic medical examination so they can make an informed choice. If they wish to take part in a forensic medical examination following a sexual assault, this can be arranged by the police, NHS or Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS) should students feel unsure of whether they wish to report to the police.
The SARCS team can arrange a forensic examination without the previous requirement of making a formal report to the police and this evidence can be stored for up to 26 months. The Equally Safe Team can explore these options with students should they consent to a referral being made to the team.
Many survivors choose not to receive a forensic medical examination. This is entirely the survivor’s decision. The SARCS NHS lead team can offer medical advice and support regarding sexual health as well as extremely sensitive taking of forensic evidence.