The University of Essex’s Report and Support system is here to make it easier for staff, students, and visitors to report incidents of sexual violence, harassment, bullying, and hate incidents. Whether you prefer to speak directly to an adviser or submit your report anonymously, the system is designed to give you options based on your comfort level.
You might wonder why we offer the option of anonymous reporting—after all, if we don’t have names or specific details, how can we help? The answer is simple: we want to ensure that every incident is reported, even if you’re not ready to share personal details. We understand that there can be a lot of reasons why you might feel hesitant to provide your name:
- Fear of repercussions: You might be worried about how coming forward could impact your studies, job, or relationships.
- Embarrassment or shame: It’s common to feel self-conscious or anxious about sharing your experience.
- Fear of being labeled a troublemaker: You might not want to be perceived negatively by others.
- Concern for others: You may not want to get someone else in trouble, even if their actions were harmful.
- Not ready to talk: You may simply not be in a place where you can discuss what happened yet.
We completely understand these concerns, and that’s why anonymous reporting is a vital option. It ensures that you can still make your experience known, which helps the University build a clearer understanding of what’s happening on our campuses. This information is crucial in shaping our preventative work—we can use it to guide campaigns, training programs, and other initiatives aimed at creating a safer, more positive environment for everyone.
Even if you don’t provide your name, the information you share—like when, where, and what type of incident occurred—can make a big difference. We use this data to inform our actions, helping us work towards eliminating sexual violence, harassment, and hate crime from our university community.
If you later decide that you want to talk to someone, you can always reach out to an adviser., or make another anonymous report and opt-in in the Anonymous Messaging feature. An Adviser will then respond within 5 working days and offer you advice or an appointment either in person, over the phone, or via email—whatever works best for you. Our trained advisers will guide you through your options and offer support every step of the way.
At the University of Essex, we are committed to supporting you, no matter who you are or who you’re reporting. Whether the person involved is a student, staff member, someone in a position of authority, or even someone from outside the university, we take every report seriously and will take appropriate action.
We’re here to listen, and we will always take your concerns seriously—your safety and well-being matter to us.