New online tool launched for students and staff to report harassment and hate crime

The University has launched a new system to facilitate the reporting of sexual misconduct, bullying, harassment and hate crime.

The new online system, ‘Report + Support’, enables students and staff to request support if they have been affected by issues relating to sexual misconduct bullying, harassment or hate crime and offers support and guidance.

The secure platform, will also include options to allow staff members to make a report on behalf of a student following a disclosure, students to make a report on behalf of another student and also anonymous reporting.

The official launch of ‘Report + Support’ coincided with the publication of ‘Tackling Racial Harassment: Universities Challenged – A University of Liverpool Response’.

Professor Fiona Beveridge, said: “Everyone at the University of Liverpool, whether studying, working, or visiting, has the right to feel safe. Harassment of any kind is completely unacceptable, and our community is an environment where prejudice and socially unacceptable behaviour are never tolerated.

“Last year the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) released a report entitled ‘Tackling racial harassment: Universities challenged’. This report laid bare some startling truths about the higher education sector. In particular, that racial harassment was underreported, reporting mechanisms were ineffectual, and our sector was not doing enough to stamp out discrimination wherever it may manifest.

“The ‘Report + Support’ system will enable students to safely report and request support around issues relating to sexual misconduct, bullying, harassment and hate crime, providing them with the necessary information to make informed decisions. The system will also allow the University to track anonymised data and monitor trends in order ensure that we are providing the best support possible. This platform is one of the many initiatives we are introducing to help our ongoing work to build a more inclusive campus for all students and staff.”

The University of Liverpool operates a zero-tolerance policy in relation to bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct and is committed to providing a safe environment for all members of our campus community.

For more information about the tool, please visit our ‘Report + Support’ webpage.

In need of immediate Help or Safety

• If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured call 999
• If you call 999 and are unable to talk remain silent and press 55. There will be a recorded message and you must press 55 to confirm you need help.
• If you are on campus and feel unsafe, call campus support (security) on 0151 794 2222 or go to your nearest University building and ask someone to phone campus support for you.
• Do not intervene in any situation if it is not safe to do so, do not put yourself at risk.