Sexual assault is any sexual conduct that a person does not consent to. It involves all unwanted sexual contact including kissing, groping, rape and enforced sexual acts.
Consent must be freely given, reversible, informed, enthusiastic, and specific. Someone must have the capacity to give consent, meaning they are not under the influence of drugs, alcohol, threats, or violence, and that they understand the consequences of giving consent.
Sexual harassment and misconduct refer to a broad range of inappropriate, unwelcome behaviours of a sexual nature. See the sexual harassment and misconduct page for more information.
Make a disclosure
It takes great courage to disclose experiences of sexual assault and rape. Everyone who has experienced this deserves to be listened to, supported and believed. What has happened is not your fault and you are not alone. Your safety and wellbeing are the most important things right now.
Make a disclosure to the University
Use the Report and Support system to make a disclosure for a sexual assault or rape incident to the University of St Andrews. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can request support from an adviser.
Staff members can also make a disclosure to:
- Human Resources
- their manager (unless the matter directly relates to them)
- their trade union.
Other ways to make a disclosure:
Make a disclosure to the police:
- Call 101 for non-emergencies (call 999 for emergencies)
- Complete the Police Scotland online disclosure form
- Go to your local police station. The St Andrews police station Is located on 68 Pipeland Road, St Andrews, KY16 8JW
Contact CrimeStoppers to make a disclosure anonymously. CrimeStoppers often passes information to the police. You can call 0800 555 111 or make a disclosure online to CrimeStoppers.
Support
University support
If you would like additional support, there are many resources available for both students and staff. Please see the how to get support page for more information.
External support
- Fife Rape and Sexual Assault Centre
- Rape Crisis Scotland (you call also call for free: 08088 01 03 02)
- Dundee and Angus Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre
- Survivors UK (support for men)
- Sign Health (for deaf people)
- Stay Safe East (for deaf and disabled people)
- Southall Black Sisters (aimed at Black women)
If someone you know has been sexually assaulted or raped
If you know someone who has experienced sexual assault or rape, you can help in the following ways:
- Listen. Taking the time to listen and talk about what has happened can help.
- Signpost options. Ask them if they’re okay to talk through some possible options for support or how they might disclose what has happened. Do not take on the role of a counsellor or therapist. Your role is not to judge or influence the person’s decision.
- Help them make a disclosure. If they want to, and you feel able to, you can help them disclose the incident or incidents.
Resources
- Information and help after rape and sexual assault (Scottish Government)
- Information and support for anyone experiencing sexual violence and harassment in the workplace (Scottish Women’s Rights Centre)
For students:
- Sexual misconduct policy (University of St Andrews)
- Students’ Association information
For staff:
- Grievance policy (University of St Andrews)