About our approach

At the University of Stirling, we are committed to taking all steps in our power to prevent and tackle gender based and sexual violence and other forms of sexual misconduct. We want to encourage a culture of respect, and create a university community that does not tolerate – and feels comfortable to challenge and report – sexual violence or misconduct in Scottish society. We work in close partnership with the University of Stirling Students' Union to achieve this goal.

The University takes reports of sexual assault or misconduct very seriously. We will not hesitate to take disciplinary action against any student or member of staff who has been found to engage in these behaviours.

Since the launch of the preventing and tackling sexual violence and misconduct strategy in 2016, the University of Stirling and Stirling Student’s Union have run the multi award-winning #IsThisOk awareness raising campaign. The campaign was designed to encourage people to identify inappropriate behaviours in relation to gender-based violence (GBV) and take action to challenge, report or change those behaviours.

Following consultation with the University community, including staff, students and victim/survivors of GBV, the University and Students Union will now adopt a new GBV campaign, Erase the Grey. Originally created and launched by Glasgow Caledonian University, Erase the Grey has been adopted by several other higher education institutions across Scotland. The campaign challenges stereotypical attitudes and behaviours and reiterates an unambiguously zero-tolerance approach towards GBV.

Providing support

We understand the importance of providing support to any member of our community who has been affected by gender based and sexual violence or misconduct. We can offer support and counselling, as well as referrals to other specialist partner agencies such as Rape Crisis Scotland.

You do not have to report an incident to the University or the Police, but if you choose to do so, we will ensure that you are supported throughout the process. You can find out more information about your options and how we will support you. It is entirely up to you what action you want to take if you have been affected; we just want to make sure you are clear about your options and are adequately supported throughout the process. Remember, if you want to access support you just need to complete our short, simple form in our secure Report and Support system.

Our revised Gender Based Violence Strategy 2021-24 was approved by University Court in June 2021. The strategy is owned jointly by the University and the Students' Union.

In an emergency

If you're away from campus, you should call 999 to reach any of the emergency services.

If you're on campus, call the Security Team any time on 7999 (on an internal phone) or 01786 467999 (from a mobile phone) to request the Police.

If you need an ambulance, dial 999 directly to speak to a call handler. Once you have done so, call the Security Team on 7999 (on an internal phone) or 01786 467999 (from a mobile phone) to advise them that an ambulance will be arriving.