Our Commitment
At Burton and South Derbyshire College, we are dedicated to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all. Sexual misconduct and violence are unacceptable, and we stand firmly against any behaviour that compromises the well-being of our community. Our goal is to support survivors, promote respect and educate on the importance of consent.
- Understanding Sexual Misconduct and Violence
Sexual misconduct encompasses a range of behaviours that violate personal boundaries and respect. Sexual misconduct can happen to anyone, no matter their gender. It covers a broad range of inappropriate and unwanted or attempted unwanted behaviours of a sexual nature. These include:
- Unwanted sexual advances: Any unwelcome attempt to initiate a sexual encounter.
- Stalking: Persistent and unwanted attention that causes distress or fear.
- Degrading remarks: Comments that demean or humiliate someone based on their sexuality.
- Revenge porn: Sharing intimate images without consent to cause harm.
- Unwanted touching: Physical contact without permission.
- Rape: Non-consensual sexual intercourse.
- Dispelling Myths About Consent
Understanding consent is critical in preventing sexual violence:
- "No" means no. Anything other than an enthusiastic yes is a no.
- Consent must be given every time. Past consent doesn’t imply future consent.
- Alcohol or clothing choices never justify or imply consent.
- Reporting and Support
Our Learner Services Team is here to help anyone affected by sexual violence. They provide:
- Immediate and ongoing support to help you navigate through difficult times.
- Assistance with reporting incidents to the Safeguarding Team or external authorities.
- Information and education on your rights and available resources.
Please note, we do not advocate anonymous reporting. We already monitor and work proactively to understand the issues impacting our college community, and to shape our prevention and response to unacceptable behaviour. Our focus is to support anyone affected, and therefore if we are not able to contact you or act on this information, we feel we cannot sensitively respond effectively.
To report an issue of sexual harassment or violence, contact our Safeguarding Team using the contact information in the box below.
If you are currently in danger or need urgent medical attention, please contact the emergency services on 999.
- External Support and Helplines
Below is a list of support services that you can contact in a non-emergency situation, for help and advice:
- Police (non-emergency): 101
- NHS (non-emergency): 111
- NHS Mental Health Support: www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/
- The Samaritans: 116 123
- Student Minds: www.studentminds.org.uk
- Student Space: https://studentspace.org.uk/
- Mind: 0300 102 1234
- SHOUT: Text ‘Shout’ to 85285 any time, day or night / https://giveusashout.org/
- Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC): 01283 517185 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA): 0870 2700 123
- Staffordshire Women's Aid: 0300 330 5959
- Savana: 01782 433204
- Rape Crisis: 0808 500 2222
- The Survivors Trust: 0808 801 0818
- Women’s Aid: 0808 2000 247
- Survivors UK: 0203 598 3898
- Victim Support: 0808 168 9111
- Safeline: 01926 402498
- Galop (LGBT+ support): 0800 999 5428
- SARAC (Sexual Abuse Rape Advice Centre) 01283 535110
is a charity based in Burton upon Trent offering free, independent and one-to-one emotional support, information and advice. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.