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If you are a staff member affected by sexual harm or intimate partner violence (the affected party) please know that it is not your fault, and you are not alone. We are sorry that this has happened to you, and we are here to offer our support and care.

If you are a survivor (the affected party) coming to us, here is what you can expect when you get here:

  • A listening ear – you can share your story, in your own way, and only what you are comfortable with. We are hear to listen without judgement
  • A confidential service – we are here to support you whether or not you file a complaint
  • An inclusive space – our doors are open to all genders, sexualities, ethnicities and abilities

If the respondent (the accused person) is a student

The avenues of complaint and investigation (the police and the Proctor) are the same for staff as they are for students.

Imposing no-fault protective measures is  more difficult when the affected party is a staff member, especially if such measures impact the respondent’s ability to attend classes, tutorials or labs.

If the respondent (the accused person) is another staff member

The complaint/investigation will be conducted by either the police or the University’s Human Resources department.

No-fault protective measures cannot be imposed against a staff member. However, Human Resources may be able to suspend a staff member or place restrictions on them while an investigation is underway. Further advice on this possibility should be discussed with your divisional HR Advisor.

Find contact details for your Human Resources Advisor

Support is available for staff regardless of who the respondent is

All staff members have access to:

  • Te Whare Tāwharau
  • University of Otago Campus Chaplains – for faith-based and spiritual support
  • ACC Sensitive Claims (ISSC) – ACC counselling may be available (Te Whare Tāwharau can assist with finding you a therapist)
  • EAP – all staff have access to the University’s Employee Assistance Programme, which offers 3 free counselling sessions (can be extended to 6 in some cases)
  • Safe to talk – is a confidential and free sexual harm helpline (external to the University)
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