Today, Jayne Aldrige, Director for the Student Experience, wrote to all students. You can read her message below:

Dear students,
 
Warning: this email contains information about sexual assault and misconduct
 
Our top priority at Sussex is always the health and wellbeing of all students. 
 
For example, over the past 18 months we have focused heavily on providing sector-leading support for all students during the pandemic, including financial care packages for those who have needed to self-isolate on campus or locally, due to the pandemic.
 
As we have returned back to a full campus we recognise the importance of raising awareness of our University services to support anyone who experiences sexual harassment and/or violence – including how to use our Report and Support tool.
 
The University is here to support any student who has been the victim/survivor of sexual assault and/or misconduct. All reports of sexual assault or inappropriate behaviour are always acted upon – as such behaviour is unacceptable, and all students who report issues will be supported by the University.

Accessing our Report and Support Tool

If you or someone else has experienced behaviours such as bullying, harassment, a hate incident, sexual violence, domestic abuse or discrimination, you can let us know using this Report and Support tool. All reports will be acted on.
 
In addition to the Report and Support Tool, please see below to find out about the practical support and information available for students on these issues.

Here to support you:

• Advice, guidance and support on Sexual Assault can be accessed via the Sexual Assault: Important information and support webpage.
• Consent training: New students must complete this training unless it may be triggering for them to do so. Any students who have not completed the training are strongly encouraged to complete the course. It can be accessed via the Health and Wellbeing, Consent Matters Online Course webpage.

• Respect, Equality, Dignity, Safety (REDS) training healthy relationships workshops have been advertised to all first-year students and are being delivered in partnership with the Students’ Union and the Under the Sheets student-led group.

• Information about keeping safe on and off-campus can be found at the Keeping Safe page.

• Residential Life and Security are also available to support students who reside on campus

Working with the Students’ Union

We’ve been working with the Students’ Union on these issues and we will continue this important collaboration with them and student groups such as ‘Under the Sheets’, listening, understanding and supporting our students through their lived experiences. Through working together we will continue to develop and improve our response and support to any students who have been the victim of sexual assault or misconduct at Sussex.
 
Please do keep in touch, so we can continue to make improvements for you.
 
With very best wishes,
 
Jayne
 
Jayne Aldridge
Director for the Student Experience