Believe, report, support: responding to reports of sexual violence

Abstract

After the publication of the Universities UK report 'Changing the Culture' in October 2016, and in response to the increasing numbers of students disclosing incidences of sexual violence, LJMU has developed an online reporting mechanism for students: Believe, Report, Support.   

This presentation will look at what we have achieved so far and what initiatives we aim to develop over the next 18 months to ensure a safe and supportive environment for students and staff at the University.   

We will focus on the work of the Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (SVLO) working within the Student Advice and Wellbeing Service who provide a trauma-informed response and support service to students following a disclosure of sexual violence. We will outline what this support may include and how to best access it.   

We will look at how working together with specialist external agencies has allowed us to develop best practice in providing a timely and appropriate service to ensure our students safety.    

We will outline cross institutional initiatives on the provision of training for students on current and emerging issues in the field of sexual violence and the development of guidance for staff on managing disclosures of sexual violence.