Emergency Response

For cases of sexual assault or rape.

The Equality and Diversity Co-ordinator (Julie Bennett), organises a rota of trained staff and students, who are able to support someone who reports an incident of rape or assault on campus, when this occurs out of normal office hours, each weekday evening from 5pm - 9 am, and all day at weekends.

In normal office hours, the person concerned should be referred either to the Student Advice Line, the Counselling Service, or the Equality and Diversity Manager

The rota is arranged termly, and if you wish to contact a member of the service please contact Campus Watch or University Nursing Service (formerly Sick Bay).

The people on this rota can offer:

  • immediate 'hand-holding' and emotional support;
  • information on which to base the crucial decision as to whether and where to report the matter;
  • accompanying to the Police station if that is the person's wish.

They have received training in listening skills, and from East Kent Rape Line concerning the facts and feelings which surround a case of sexual assault or rape. They have also been informed of the procedures that the University follows in such cases, and how the Police and Courts handle them. Male and female supporters are on call, and people should be given the choice of the same sex supporter attending (in which case, contact a backup).

It is important then that if such a case is reported to you, they are encouraged to meet with a member of the Emergency Response Service.

While the person may very well have a friend already supporting them, it is desirable that they also have the opportunity to meet with a member of the Emergency Response Team, to ensure that informed decisions can be made by them.

How to contact

If you wish to contact a member of the service please contact:

  • Campus Watch on extension 3333; or
  • University Nursing Service (formerly Sick Bay) on 82(3503)