University statement: article on sexual violence in The Times

Earlier today (3 November), an article was published in the Times newspaper relating to an incident of sexual violence in 2018 involving a number of Oxford Brookes students.

We wish to make clear that sexual violence and harrassment has no place at Oxford Brookes. When incidents such as this are brought to our attention, we do all that we can to ensure that the allegations are investigated thoroughly and support is provided to the students involved.

In the case of the allegations referred to in the Times, we can confirm that an incident was reported to us in February 2018. It was thoroughly investigated in accordance with the University’s processes, appropriate liaison with the police took place and our internal conduct procedures were completed. Appropriate penalties, including the most severe penalties available to the University in relation to some of the students, were applied and were upheld on appeal.

We recognise the very distressing nature of the allegations. Throughout the process, the University liaised with specialist support services to ensure that those most closely affected were supported.

As part of our commitment to maintaining an inclusive and respectful culture, we are reviewing behaviour and practices within Brookes Sport, including all clubs, to ensure that policies and practices promote the culture, behaviours and values we expect of all our students.

If any of our students, staff or our wider community, have concerns about behaviour or practices in any aspect of University life, we would encourage them to report them via our dedicated University Reporting tool. Your feedback is important to helping us ensure that our University community is as inclusive and respectful as it can possibly be.