Empowering UCC to Respond to Sexual Violence The Know Offence campaign is an information campaign directed at the UCC student body. What will happen?
Awareness - What is sexual violence? Consent – voluntary and conscious agreement to every sexual contact. Using fear or threats to make someone do something is not consent. Sexual assault – any unwanted sexual contact under any circumstances without consent. R**e – any degree of sexual pe*******on, however slight, of the mouth, va**na or a**s with a p***s without consent. It is also r**e to pe****
*te a va**na with an object without consent. Remember:
When someone tells you about his or her experience with sexual violence, remain calm, listen and speak with empathy. If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual violence, please keep this information in mind. Reporting:
Here is a step-by-step guide about what to do and what happens if you have been the victim of sexual violence and wish to report it to An Gardaí Síochána. Ring An Gardaí Síochána on 999 or 112. They are the body responsible nationally for detecting crimes and preparing cases for court proceedings. They are the sole investigative agency of sexual violence, including past sexual abuse. The nearest station to UCC is Anglesea Street Garda station and their number is 021 452 2000. Once a crime is reported to the Gardaí, they are obliged to investigate the crime and prepare an investigation file for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions as soon as possible. Forensic evidence will be collected. This is done in Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATUs) which are units based in hospitals specifically designed to collect forensic evidence. The earlier you report something, the greater the chance of prosecution. After a lapse of 7 days, little if any forensic evidence can be gathered. The unit will also take the victims clothes if they are the clothes that were worn during the attack, as well as document any relevant forensic evidence. Tests for Sexually Transmitted Infections are also carried out, and the victim can access the results in a subsequent appointment. This includes provision of treatment such as emergency contraception and medication to reduce the possibility of developing sexually transmitted infections. There is no fee. Remember – If you are over 18, nobody is legally obliged to report a sexual crime by a peer so you can access supports (see next page) confidentiality. Incidents which occurred when you were under 18 and/or highlight a risk to children raise different issues. For more information contact Supports. Any sexual violence towards another student of University College Cork is a breach of the Student Rules and disciplinary measures may be taken to protect the welfare of students. However such measures will require the crime to be reported to the Gardaí and will not be taken until after criminal justice proceedings are complete. Support:
If you are the victim or sexual violence, below is a list of support services that can help you through this difficult time. Internal UCC Support:
Student Health Department – Tel: 021 490 2311
Student Counselling and Development Office –
Highly trained psychologists and psychotherapists provide an opportunity and a safe space for students to disclose personal issues and then work with the student to explore the best and most suitable form of support. Sometimes this would be continued ther**eutic support and sometimes it would be assisting the student to get to the place where they may be ready to access a more specialised or different type of support. Students come to Student Counselling because it is a professional and confidential service and they know they will find acceptance and support for whatever they choose to share. Tel: 021 490 3585 // Text: 087 215 25 05 // Email: [email protected] - The offices are located in Ardpatrick House, College Road, next to the college car park. Academic Help:
Contact your Head of School which can be found at www.ucc.ie/en/schoolsdepartments/ by clicking on your school. Anything discussed is completely confidential kept between you and your Head of School. They can assist you with:
- Support to enable you to keep going with your studies;
- Getting extensions on assignments;
- and help with examination mitigations issues, etc. External Support:
Sexual Violence Centre Cork – The Sexual Violence Centre Cork (also a R**e Crisis Centre) is an excellent service, particularly if you are not sure if you wish to report the assault to An Gardaí. It is located in the city at 5 Camden Place. They offer:
- Counselling and support;
- Referral to the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (who do not give the Gardaí the forensic evidence if you do not wish them to do so);
- Can be in court with you for support and advice if you decide to take a case against the accused;
- Can send letters to the University for you to help with extensions of assignments or for repeat examinations if needs be; and
- They look at what you need to do to right now to be OK, whether that is help with addiction or any other issues you might have since before your assault or as a result of your assault. Tel: 1800 498 496 // Email: [email protected] // http://www.sexualviolence.ie/
