Oxford Against Sexual Violence

The University is continuing its Oxford Against Sexual Violence campaign for a second year, highlighting that sexual harassment and violence is never acceptable.

The campaign launched in October 2018 as a collaboration between the University and Oxford SU, to mark the launch of the Sexual Harassment and Violence Support Service.

The Support Service is there to support all students, regardless of age or gender. It is run by a team of trained specialist advisors and an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) who works independently of the University. 

Since 2018, the University has taken a number of additional steps to support students affected by sexual harassment and violence. These include increased staff numbers at the support service; the appointment of specialist staff to handle students complaints; and changes to disciplinary procedures to make them more transparent.

The University is also working in partnership with Thames Valley Police to prevent sexual offending, particularly in the night time economy, and this will be a focus at the start of the academic year.

Professor Martin Williams, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Education, said: “The University of Oxford does not tolerate sexual harassment and violence in any form, and we all have a responsibility to act. The additional measures we have taken this year further highlight our resolve in tackling this issue and our commitment to supporting our students.”

Roisin McCallion, Vice-President, Welfare & Equal Opportunity at Oxford Student Union, says: “We are delighted with the additional steps which have been taken to support students affected by sexual harassment and violence. The Sexual Harassment and Violence Support Service is something we truly believe in and we feel confident signposting our students to it for the best support.”

For more information, visit the Oxford Against Sexual Violence campaign page.

Current students looking to speak to one of our advisors at the support service should email: [email protected].