Explore UCD

UCD Home >

I’VE BEEN SEXUALLY ASSAULTED

All members of the University Community have the right to study or work in an environment free from bullying and harassment and sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment is any form of unwanted verbal, non-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 that person. Sexual harassment can be a one-off incident and includes sexual assault.  Sexual Harassment is contrary to the (opens in a new window)UCD Dignity and Respect Policy. 

The following are examples of sexual harassment: 

  • Physical contact such as unnecessary touching, patting or pinching or brushing against another body, assault or coercive sexual intercourse 
  • Sexual advances, propositions or pressure for sexual activity, continued suggestions for social activity after it has been made clear that such suggestions are unwelcome
  • Unwanted or offensive flirtations, suggestive remarks, innuendos or lewd comments 
  • The display of pornographic or sexually suggestive pictures, objects, written materials including posters, emails, text-messages, social media messaging or faxes 
  • Leering, whistling or making sexually suggestive gesture
  • Conduct that denigrates or ridicules or is intimidatory or physically abusive of a person because of their sex.

Get support 
The Dignity and Respect Contact Persons are a panel of trained staff who can provide a listening ear and non-directive and non-judgemental support and information to employees and students on a strictly confidential basis. They will provide information available on the supports available and the range of informal options and the formal complaint procedure.  

The UCD Student Advisory Service is a point of contact, support and referral for all UCD students throughout their studies. Students experiencing issues of concern should approach their Student Adviser in the first instance who can then direct them to a Dignity and Respect Contact Person for issues of a dignity and respect nature.

(opens in a new window)The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre offers a free confidential, listening and support service for those who have been raped, sexually assaulted, sexually harassed or sexually abused at any time in their lives. They also take calls from anyone who wishes to talk about the effects of sexual violence. 24 Hour Helpline: 1800 778888. See below for a full list of supports.  
 
Report   

  • You can (opens in a new window)report anonymously any incidents of bullying, harassment or sexual harassment you have experienced or witnessed.
  • If you would like to explore other options, including making a formal complaint about something you have experienced the Dignity and Respect Policy and Procedures sets out the steps you will need to follow.

UCD Supports

External supports
The following are specialist external support bodies. Some operate 24 Hour helplines 

Contact the Student Desk

Ground Floor, Tierney Building, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
T: +353 1 716 1555 | Location Map(opens in a new window)

www.ucd.ie/askus