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Content Note: the following article contains references to serious sexual violence.

We are aware that a former UCL student is currently being tried by a criminal court for alleged acts of serious sexual misconduct. The trial started this week, and we know that for many in our community, the focus on this subject matter will make this an extremely challenging time. 

The case has already been reported in the media, and we know that reading or hearing about the case will likely be triggering and upsetting for our community. If anyone is concerned or affected by this, or by similar incidents, there are confidential resources available providing immediate support. We’ve put links to many different support services at the bottom of the page. 

It is very important that nothing our community does jeopardises the trial. Therefore, due to the risk of prejudicing criminal proceedings, we are not able to comment further at this time.  

We are working closely with UCL to make sure that, as the trial develops, our community is supported. We are a community that exists to support one another, please know that you are not alone.

Take care, your Sabbatical Officers, Goksu, Eda, Rachel, Darcy, Ana, and Shaban

How can our community access support?   

Our absolute priority is to do everything that we can to support our community.   

We know that these allegations of this nature are deeply distressing, and we have extensive support services that are available 24/7 for any students or staff impacted by this, directly or indirectly.    

Supporting students   

Our teams within Student Support and Wellbeing Services can help direct you to appropriate support both within and outside of UCL:   

  • For 24/7 support, you can call the UCL 24/7 Support Line on +44 (0) 808 238 0077 and speak with an adviser. If you are calling from outside the UK, you should call 00 353 1 518 0277.   
  • If you have been affected by sexual violence or are impacted by hearing this news, it is important to know that you have a choice in how to proceed and that support is available to you. Please remember that this is not your fault, and you are not alone. More information including links to external organisations and resources that may be able to help can be found on our pages on supporting students affected by sexual harassment, misconduct and violence.   
  • You will be offered an appointment to discuss wellbeing support, whether you would like the incident/s to be investigated by the UCL Casework Team, and any support you may need to study such as academic adjustments. This appointment is confidential and is available to all students. You can request that your adviser is male, female or non-binary, and to have support in your own language.   
  • Staff across Student Support and Wellbeing Services, Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Advice and Casework are trained to handle sensitive disclosures, including sexual violence.   
  • We encourage anyone who believes they may have been subject to a crime to report their experiences to the Metropolitan Police, and our UCL Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Office can support you to do this if this is what you wish.   
  • Students can also report sexual misconduct, bullying and harassment to the University via the Report + Support website which will link them to specialist support and guidance from the appropriate teams, including support on how UCL Casework can take the incident forward, in line with their preferences.  
  • If you are a parent or are concerned about a student, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing via the Student of Concern form.   

Information sharing and contempt of court   

It is very important that nothing UCL or its community does jeopardises the trial. 

Due to the risk of prejudicing criminal proceedings, we are not able to comment further at this time. See more information on Contempt of Court rules on the UK Government website.   

Last updated 3 weeks ago Read time 3 mins