Vice-chancellor Stuart Croft releases statement on sexual misconduct on campus

University of Warwick vice-chancellor Stuart Croft has released a statement on sexual misconduct at the University.

Professor Croft stated that: “The safety and wellbeing of our staff students is of paramount importance. Everyone at Warwick has the right to feel safe.

“Harassment of any kind is completely unacceptable, and our community is an environment where prejudice and socially unacceptable behaviour are never tolerated.”

The statement comes after a petition was started demanding the Unviersity take action against sexual assault cases on campus. The petition currently exceeds 10,000 signators.

Several hundred students also attended a protest on Sunday 29 November demanding more action from both the University and the Students’ Union (SU).

The vice-chancellor urged students that feel that they have been affected by sexual assault or harrassment to use the Report and Support system, saying that: “Within 48 hours, a trained Student Liaison Officer will get in touch to provide support, talk through the options available and be a dedicated point of contact.”

Professor Croft continued further to address social media posts that “suggest that the Facebook group chat case is happening now”. He explained that: “The University held an independent external review in 2019 of its student disciplinary and appeals process, and a review of values and behaviours within our community.”

The vice-chancellor said that he “welcomes the efforts of those who raise these issues with us” and that “together we can tackle sexual misconduct comprehensively by raising awareness, providing support and being clear about our values”.

For anyone who has been affected by the issues raised in this article, there are lots of places you can turn to for help and support. Warwick Wellbeing Support Services are available through the Wellbeing Portal, online or over the phone. NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust are offering online or over the phone urgent support for anyone suffering from mental health issues. More information can be found on their website. Charities such as MIND also have information, guidance and support available online.