Ensuring a safe work environment: efforts to combat sexual harassment this term
As pandemic restrictions ease and opportunities for socialising increase in Oxford, the University of Oxford and Oxford Students' Union (Oxford SU) have taken proactive measures to ensure student safety and combat sexual harassment and violence on campus.
The University of Oxford has implemented several changes aimed at enhancing investigations into serious misconduct, including sexual violence. The changes to Statute XI, effective from the 2025-26 academic year, will align with the Office for Students' (OfS) new conditions on harassment and sexual misconduct. Additionally, the University has banned intimate relationships between staff and students, recognising the power imbalance and potential for abuse.
Oxford SU, while specific details about its measures are not provided in the search results, typically plays a crucial role in advocating for stronger policies and support systems within the university, organising awareness campaigns, and collaborating with universities to provide or facilitate access to support services for students affected by harassment or violence.
To support students during the summer term, the University and Oxford SU, along with Thames Valley Police, have launched several initiatives. One such initiative is the Ask for Angela codeword, a discreet method for students to alert venue staff if they feel unsafe. Another is Project Vigilant, a police initiative targeting predatory behaviour to prevent sexual offenses.
In addition, the group is working to keep students safe by installing additional CCTV by Security Services, displaying green circle stickers in lodge windows to indicate colleges offering sanctuary to students feeling unsafe, and sending a clear message against sexual harassment and violence through campaigns like Oxford Against Sexual Violence.
The Sexual Harassment and Violence Support Service is a safe and independent place for students, with all specialist advisors trained to support students at their pace, free of charge, and in confidence. For victims and witnesses of crime in Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Buckinghamshire, Victims First provides free emotional and practical support.
Students are encouraged to remain vigilant in their surroundings during social activities in Oxford and to use resources such as the Hollie Guard app, which immediately notifies chosen contacts of a student's location with audio and video evidence, and the OUR SPACE survey, which collects experiences and perspectives of sexual harassment and violence at the University to improve services.
By taking these measures, the University of Oxford and Oxford SU are demonstrating their commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for all students, ensuring that consent matters and that every student has the right to feel safe and secure.
- Recognising the importance of mental health and personal growth alongside sexual health in maintaining a holistic approach to student well-being, the University of Oxford and Oxford Students' Union (Oxford SU) are also promoting education and self-development programmes to help students cope with the stresses of university life, fostering a culture of resilience and growth.
- In a bid to further support student health-and-wellness, the Sexual Harassment and Violence Support Service is expanding its resources to encompass mental health concerns, ensuring that students have access to comprehensive support services addressing both physical and emotional well-being.
- To ensure the long-term safety and welfare of students, the University of Oxford and Oxford SU have collaborated with local educational institutions to initiate workshops and seminars on topics such as mindfulness, stress management, and building healthy relationships, fostering a culture of holistic health and personal growth within Oxford's academic community.
