I have been accused of something (student)

As members of our student community, we all have a responsibility to consider the impact of our behaviour on others, and not to cause unreasonable offence or distress.  Anyone who feels offended or upset by another person’s behaviour (even if it was unintentional) has the right to ask for that behaviour to stop.  Occasionally, the level of seriousness of behaviour or conduct may mean that the Police become involved. 

Raising a concern about someone’s behaviour or conduct can be difficult and stressful for both parties involved – the person making the complaint and the person who the complaint is about.  

Advice and support are available for everyone involved in such situations - whatever the circumstances, you are not on your own. 

If you have been accused of something, no assumptions or decisions will be made until the issue has been investigated and both parties have had a fair opportunity to give their side of events.  Occasionally, measures might need to be taken to limit interactions between individuals or the University based on assessed risks.  This does not imply any guilt and is implemented to allow an investigation to take place.  Where possible, concerns are dealt with informally in the first instance. 

Whether you think you have acted appropriately or inappropriately, you may find the following  useful to consider: 

● Is your understanding of the Student Code of Conduct up to date? 

● Do you have a clear understanding of the types of behaviour that might be seen to constitute sexual harassment, bullying, hate crime etc? 

● Are you familiar with the likely next steps in an investigation? See 'Understanding the Disclosure Process' for information about what happens after a report is made 

● What support do you require? 

 Sources of Support for Students 

● Student Welfare and Wellbeing offer practical and emotional support to students who are experiencing personal difficulties that are impacting their university experience and ability to study.  For contact details and further information please visit Welfare and Wellbeing

Student Welfare can provide practical support and guidance to help you deal with welfare issues resulting from situations including but not limited to: harassment, sexual violence, housing/finance issues, serious ill-health/hospitalisation, sexual violence (current or historic), if you are a victim of a crime, bullying and harassment, housing/relationship issues, relationship abuse, bereavement, forced marriage and honour violence.

To contact the team please email - support@sheffield.ac.uk

If you’re feeling down, overwhelmed or struggling to adjust to student life, the Student Wellbeing Service can offer tailored preventative one-to-one support to help you make sense of what you’re experiencing and help you manage your wellbeing to succeed at University.  To book an appointment with your faculty Wellbeing Advisor please visit the Student Wellbeing Service 

● Student Advice Centre (Students’ Union) are a professional, impartial, confidential and non-judgemental service, providing advice, support and representation to help students resolve their problems. For contact details and further information please visit Student Advice Centre 

● Personal Tutor - if your studies are being affected, you may want to reach out to staff in your department to let them know what has happened to you to receive advice and support

● In cases where there is, or might be Police involvement, you may wish to seek professional or legal advice 

● Samaritans provide a non-judgemental listening based service that you can call free from any phone on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/