Sexual Misconduct - Options for resolution

We respect that it is your right to choose how you wish to proceed to resolve the issues experienced and we will provide clear and consistent advice as to supports and options and how the University can help you. It is essential that you have control in making decisions on what to do next. Supports such as the Dignity and Respect Report and Support Advisor can discuss and explore options with you to work through what a solution might look like for you and what you would like to happen. In some instances, you may feel that you wish the issue to be resolved informally.

Informal resolution options include the reporting person contacting the person being reported if they feel comfortable doing so or asking the Dignity and Respect Report and Support Advisor to meet with the person being reported.  The purpose of this would be to let the person being reported know that the alleged behaviour described is not acceptable and is in contravention of the Sexual Misconduct policy and it should stop. Other options that the reporting person feels will assist them in resolving the issue informally can also be discussed. It is important that someone who is specifically trained in the area of sexual misconduct, either internally or externally, has this discussion with you as the safety of everyone is paramount and any options for resolution needs to be carefully considered.

If the offending behaviour constitutes a criminal offence, you should consider reporting the incident to the Gardaí (Police). The decision whether to make a report to the Gardaí is a personal choice. If you wish to contact the Gardaí (Police), you can contact them directly or through the Duty Manager in Estate Services who is available at any time day or night on 716 999 and has a direct contact to the Gardaí (Police). 

Anyone who has been subjected to sexual misconduct has the right to make a formal complaint in accordance with the Dignity and Respect formal investigation procedure. It is important to understand that making a disclosure is not the same thing as making a formal complaint. A complaint is deemed to be formal once a Dignity and Respect formal complaint form has been completed and submitted to the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Unit.

If following the disclosure, you do not wish for the University to take any action, including the instigation of the formal investigation procedure, action will not normally be pursued. However, in exceptional circumstances, the University does reserve the right to instigate a formal investigation where a sufficient concern arises for the University, having regard to our broader obligation in relation to the safety and welfare of you and others. This will be taken on a case-by-case basis and discussed with you if such a situation arises. Appropriate internal and external supports will be made available to you and any precautionary measures required will be taken.

To ensure you get the correct level of support required, an initial disclosure should be made to one or more of the people outlined in the support section.

Students, employees and visitors to UCD can also report issues of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct anonymously through the (opens in a new window)UCD Report and Support tool if they do not feel able to come forward to engage in an informal means of resolving the issue or do not wish to make a formal complaint at this point. Direct intervention will not take place on foot of this report, however the information provided through the Report and Support tool will be valuable for the University as it strives to create a culture where everyone is treated with dignity and respect and is free from discrimination. The information will be collated and analysed to enable UCD to take steps to support the elimination of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment and sexual misconduct.

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