Adam Tickell, the new Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sussex, has announced on his first day in post that he has appointed Professor Nicole Westmarland to lead an independent review into the University’s handling of this recent case.

In an email to students and staff he said: “I was personally saddened by this and want to make it clear that violence of any kind will not be tolerated by the University. 

"I have written to the former student concerned to let her know that I have commissioned an independent review into the University’s handling of the matter. 

"The review will be led by Professor Nicole Westmarland, from Durham University and one of the UK’s leading researchers in the field of domestic violence.

"We will publish the report and make any necessary changes to our approach and policies. I also plan to appoint a Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Equalities and Diversity, who will report directly to me, and who will ensure that we embed a commitment to these values in everything that we do.”

Updated statement (Saturday 13 August 2016)

Dr Lee Salter is no longer employed by the University of Sussex.

Due to the court proceedings there were some things we were unable to comment on but this matter has been, and will continue to be, of utmost priority for the University.

We will be reviewing all relevant University regulations and procedures and will comprehensively address any concerns or lessons which may arise from this case. 

The University does not tolerate violence of any sort and the safety of our students is absolutely paramount.

A statement from the University (Friday 12 August 2016)

We are aware that many in our community will be worried about a story in the Independent today. 

So you are aware, the University has supplied the following statement:

"The University had been following the court case closely and our thoughts are with our former student.  A senior member of the University’s management team has been in regular contact with her throughout and they continue to support her. 

"The University does not tolerate violence of any kind. However, in cases involving criminal charges, it is important that such matters are dealt with by the police and the courts, which take precedence over employment procedures. Pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings, the University kept the situation under review and monitored and assessed any risk to its students. 

"The University has established disciplinary procedures and we are considering the implications of the court’s findings.

"Although we are unable to comment on individual employment matters we want to assure our community that we take student safety extremely seriously.

"The welfare of our community is paramount and we encourage any student who is experiencing abuse or has concerns about a friend to contact our Student Life Centre, without delay.  We provide a wide range of support for students including a 24 hour service delivered by a team of professional support staff and a dedicated team of counselling professionals who provide support on campus as well as referring students to a range of other national and local services." 

Our support services can be accessed here: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/students/support/.