Concerns about sexual assault, harassment, abuse or discrimination can now be reported to St Andrews University bosses via a new website.
Students, staff and members of the community can report incidents and find out how to receive support through the platform, set up to take a stand against discrimination and harm.
The secure Report + Support page allows people to outline concerns and make named or anonymous reports about issues including bullying, anti-social behaviour and mental health worries.
The university said the system would allow it to understand trends, identify gaps in service provision and take action such as training or increased security patrols, making the town safer for everyone.
The approach has been welcomed by the students’ association.
Its launch comes as police continue to probe reports posted online over the summer making more than 20 allegations of serious sexual assault and rape at the university.
An Instagram account called St Andrews Survivors claimed many of the incidents involved members of a university fraternity, several of whom have since been suspended.
None of the allegations were reported directly to police but all were investigated by the university.
The institution said the new website was aimed at empowering the whole community to stand up to unacceptable behaviour, raise concerns about a student’s wellbeing or highlight safety issues.
We will be able to capture every opportunity to do better and to signpost help and resources.”
Professor Ruth Woodfield
Evidence has proved that a supportive community has a positive effect on wellbeing, it added.
The platform does not replace previous reporting channels but provides an additional resource to allow people to look out for each other.
Urgent issues with an immediate risk of serious harm should still be reported to the emergency services on 999.
The university’s assistant vice-principal (diversity), Professor Ruth Woodfield, said: “Regardless of current challenges, St Andrews has shown the world that this is an amazing place to live and study.
“We want to do all we can to help uphold the values that make St Andrews special – diversity, inclusion, safety and respect.
“That means supporting each other to take responsibility for how students and staff are treated, learning from each other and offering support to anyone who needs it.”
She added: “Better reporting will help us to get an accurate picture of what’s happening at the university.
“We will be able to capture every opportunity to do better and to signpost help and resources.”
Students’ association director of wellbeing Emma Walsh said: “Report + Support gives us all an accessible and user-friendly way to make the university aware of the most pressing issues.
“The new system will work to create a town that is safer and more accepting for students, staff and locals throughout.”
The website can be accessed at reportandsupport.st-andrews.ac.uk/
