There may be reasons why you would prefer to report your experiences anonymously. Reporting your experience can be an empowering action to take, and we take any information we receive about unacceptable behaviour within our community very seriously.
Reporting anonymously means that your identity is protected when you submit an anonymous report.
There is the option to message the University anonymously via the Report and Support platform and for us to respond. You will be asked if you want to use this messaging function when you submit an anonymous report.
If you use the messaging function you will need to save the code that is generated for your report which is how you will access, send and receive messages. Any information you provide will be private and confidential unless we believe there is a serious safety concern for yourself or someone else.
Unfortunately, we are not normally able to take any direct action against individuals following anonymous reports.
We are committed to the principles of natural justice (the right to a fair hearing, meaning the reported person knows who made the report) and the practicalities of investigating specific incidents usually means anonymity is not possible to maintain.
However, please also bear in mind that if we receive reports with identifying information about individuals which involve significant risk concerns, the University may need to take action to safeguard individuals.
Why do we collect anonymous reports?
- We usually cannot act on the specific information contained in an anonymous report, but it will be used to better understand the issues impacting our university community, and to shape our prevention of unacceptable behaviour.
- If you choose to use the 2 way messaging service, it also allows us to share useful information with you such as information about external support services.
- We use the anonymous data to identify trends or patterns emerging in our community, and work with relevant Faculties, Schools, Services or external agencies to implement proactive measures to mitigate concerning trends. This may include new awareness campaigns or creating more specific resources.
Can I talk to an advisor and then submit an anonymous report?
- Yes, but bear in mind the potential for you to be identified based on information you already shared with an advisor.