No-fault protective measures are rules that can be imposed by the Proctor or by your residential college warden on both parties.
These rules will limit your contact with each other and help you both continue your studies with as little contact as possible from the other party.
Because no-fault protective measures can be imposed before an allegation of sexual harm has been investigated or admitted, they must be imposed fairly and equitably. Therefore, to the extent possible, they will be imposed on both parties equally so that neither party is unfairly prejudiced by them.
Examples of no-fault protective measures that can be imposed
Standard no-fault protective measures
Standard no-fault protective measures can be imposed without input from the respondent (the person accused of sexual harm).
Standard no-fault protective measures are usually:
- That neither party is to make any contact with the other party by any means, including social media
- That neither party is to ask or encourage anyone else to make contact with the other party on their behalf
- That if either party sees the other around campus:
- They must not communicate with the other party by any means, including voice, body language, gesture or eye contact
- They must ignore the other party and move on
- They must maintain a safe and respectful distance from the other party at all times
- That both parties must abide by any rules put in place by your residential college warden (if applicable)
Find information on no-fault protective measures within residential colleges
Specific no-fault protective measures
Specific no-fault protective measures are usually imposed after they have been discussed with both parties.
Specific no-fault protective measures may include measures such as:
- There are certain areas (such as a gym or a study space) that one party must not enter at certain times on certain days. This will give the other party assurance that they can attend that place at those times without seeing them
- A change in lecture/tutorial or lab stream, if that is possible
- That one party cannot attend certain specific events
Support and assistance if you are living in a residential college
If you want the warden to take action to have the matter investigated or to put in place no-fault protective measures within the college, they will do so.
Find our what sexual harm support is available if you are living in a residential college
Your right of review
If you believe no-fault protective measures have been put in place unfairly or without the correct process being followed, you can ask the Proctor to review them. You can contact the Proctor if you need to apply for additional no-fault protective measures or to make any other changes.
Email proctor@otago.ac.nz
If this cannot be resolved between you and the Proctor, you can appeal the Proctor's decision by emailing the University of Otago Provost. Please be aware that there is a 7-day period within which you must lodge your appeal with the Provost.
Email provost@otago.ac.nz