Reported Student Support

Being reported for or accused of sexual misconduct or relationship abuse can be an isolating, upsetting and confusing experience. The Reported Student Service provides confidential, practical and emotional support to all students who are facing formal or informal allegations of sexual misconduct, whether they have been named in a formal report or not. We can provide advice on University, college and police processes, academic guidance and a safe space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences without judgement.  

“My caseworker has been incredibly supportive, has been non-judgemental and an excellent listener” – Reported student  

Please note:  A formal report or complaint does not have to be made in order to access this service. We can support students experiencing informal allegations (whether they are aware of the details of these or not), students who are concerned about their own behaviour, as well as students subject to formal reports made to their college, the University, or the police. 

Seeking support does not affect the outcome of any investigation, and support is available to students regardless of how far any active process progresses. 

What we do

All students who contact us or are referred into the service are offered an appointment with a dedicated and experienced Specialist Caseworker, who works specifically with students who are the subject of an allegation, or reported for sexual misconduct or relationship abuse.

Appointments are tailored to your individual needs, and there is no pressure or expectation to share or discuss any details of your situation unless you wish to. We can offer: 

• Non-judgemental support around emotional and personal wellbeing.   
• Signposting to appropriate specialist services for further support and information.  
• Information specific to the University or college policies and procedures, and what you can expect from a formal complaint process. 
• Help with navigating formal processes, and signposting to external support in the event of criminal investigations and prosecutions.  
• Guidance around academic support options. 
• Support with the social impact of being reported.

The Reported Student Service is not an advocacy service, and therefore caseworkers are unable to accompany students to any disciplinary meetings. If you want a chaperone to be present for any part of an investigation, check out the SU Advice Service in the Further Support section at the bottom of this page.  

Confidentiality 

The Reported Student Service sits within the central University’s Student Welfare and Support Services (SWSS). We work confidentially and independently from colleges and departments. This means that we won't share anything that you tell us with your college, department, tutors, family, or police without your explicit permission.  

In certain exceptional circumstances, we may be required to disclose information without your consent including, but not limited to, circumstances where we reasonably believe there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or a third party, or where it is required to share information by law or regulation. You can read more about confidentiality within Student Welfare and Support Services. 

How do I get in touch? 

"I was responded to very promptly, and my only regret was that I didn’t contact someone sooner." - Reported student

To make an appointment, either in person or online, please complete our online form . You may self refer or ask a trusted university professional to refer on your behalf. 

We aim to be in touch within 5 working days with an offer of an appointment. You do not need to provide any detail in your submission regarding what has happened.

If you have any questions or are unsure whether the Reported Student Service is right for you, please get in touch using [email protected]  

Further Support for Reported Students 

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please seek immediate help by calling 999.  

Check out Other welfare and health concerns | University of Oxford, for University based Support and recommendations of external specialist services. 

Oxford SU Advice - The SU Advice service has a specialist advisor who works with Reported Students to ensure that there is no conflict of interest. They can support you throughout your case practically and emotionally, including attending any relevant meetings with you.