Reporting Sexual Misconduct
Reporting Sexual Misconduct
There is no right or wrong way to feel if you have experienced or witnessed sexual misconduct. You may feel a combination of numbness, shock, confusion, fear, worry or anger.
The victim of sexual misconduct is never to blame. It is not their fault, and they have a right to be heard and supported.
DCU will endeavour to support individuals who have experienced sexual misconduct at work or study, in any way it can. We know there is no one size fits all approach for disclosing or reporting sexual misconduct. Any next steps are entirely up to you and your choices will be respected.
Please remember, you do not have to report sexual misconduct in order to access support.
What is sexual misconduct?
Our Policies Explained section provides a comprehensive overview of sexual misconduct and DCU and what is understood to be inappropriate behaviour.
Sexual Harassment: Any form of unwanted verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature which has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity and creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for the person. Sexual Harassment may consist of a single incident, or repeated inappropriate behaviour.
Sexual Misconduct: Sexual Misconduct is defined as any form of unwelcome behaviour of a sexual nature that may be subject to disciplinary proceedings. This includes but is not limited to crimes of sexual violence, sexual cyberbullying, image based sexual abuse including non-consensual taking and/or sharing of intimate images, creating, accessing, viewing or distributing child sexual abuse material online or offline, stalking behaviours whether online or offline in a sexual context, and any verbal or physical harassment in a sexual context.
How can I report sexual misconduct at DCU?
DCU outlines reporting options under four main headings however you may combine reporting options if you feel that is the right choice for you. You will never be put under any pressure to pursue a reporting option that you are uncomfortable with.
Full details of these options can also be explored in our Policies Explained Section.
If you would like to have a confidential conversation about reporting options related to any aspect of sexual misconduct, please contact the DCU Dignity, Respect and Sexual Misconduct Response (DRSMR) Manager, Lorna.Greene@dcu.ie. Speaking with DRSMR Manager does not constitute a formal report and will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Feedback
DCU is committed to ensuring that reporting processes are as accessible, fair and trauma-aware as possible. If you have any questions about any element of the reporting process or if you have any feedback you wish to share, please contact the DCU Dignity, Respect and Sexual Misconduct Response Manager, Lorna.Greene@dcu.ie