Sexual Misconduct - It’s happening to me
Sexual misconduct is when someone with institutional power acts in a sexually inappropriate way towards someone with less institutional power. It is useful to familiarise yourself with the full definition.
It is never okay for someone to make you feel pressured into doing something that you do not want to do.
MRCG at LSHTM is committed to creating a safe and inclusive culture and will take actions to respond to and prevent it from happening.
THINK
Are you in immediate danger? If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured, you can either call our EDI Helpline on +220 7460692 or 2333, or contact the MRCG at LSHTM security team on extension 1505 for emergency help.- Find a safe space. If an incident has just happened, try and find somewhere they feel safe. If this isn't possible you are scared or fearful, you can contact the MRCG at LSHTM security team on extension 1505.
TALK
- To a friend – talking things through with someone you trust can sometimes help.
- Anti-Bullying and Harassment Advisors can talk through the MRCG at LSHTM’s procedures, how to make a complaint and what support is available, in confidence.
- Mental Health First Aiders can provide immediate mental health support.
REPORT
- Report and Support. Staff and students can report an incident using MRCG at LSHTM’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can make a report with contact details. If you choose to report with contact details your submission will be reviewed by the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team who will contact you to talk through the options.
- Network Against Gender Based Violence (NGBV). Report the incident anonymously by calling the SGBV Helpline 1313.
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy. This document provides further information.
- Grievance Procedure. If you choose to make a formal complaint to MRCG at LSHTM about a member of staff or student there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow.
- Whistleblowing Policy. Whistleblowing is the disclosure of information which relates to suspected wrongdoing or dangers at work. This policy should not be used for complaints relating to your own personal circumstances, such as the way you have been treated at work. In those cases you should use the Grievance Procedure or Equality, Diversity and Equality Policy as appropriate.
GET SUPPORT
If you are the target of sexual misconduct, there are a variety of support options available.
MRCG at LSHTM Support for Staff and Students
- Network Against Gender Based Violence’s One Stop Centre. Receive support from medical and psychosocial support from any of the one stop centres for the management of Gender Based Violence Cases. A trained social worker can meet with you to discuss any issue and all issues will be treated confidentially. Legal aid can also be provided.
- HR Department. If you are a member of staff or manager, your HR department will be able to identify the support that’s available to you.
- Trade Union. The MRCG Workers’ Union represents staff at MRCG at LSHTM.
- Mental Health First Aiders – An MHFA can provide immediate mental health support.
- Anti-Bullying and Harassment Advisors can talk through the MRCG at LSHTM’s procedures, how to make a complaint and what support is available, in confidence.
Other sources of support
- IHRDA’s Handbook on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in The Gambia provides guidance on how to manage SGBV cases, including stories of survivors.