Sexual Misconduct and Domestic Abuse Support

Wrexham University is committed to fostering an environment in which all members of the university community feel safe, supported and respected. This webpage outlines the University’s response to sexual misconduct and domestic abuse, support available to staff and students and how to respond to a disclosure of sexual misconduct or domestic abuse.

Put simply, sexual misconduct is any unwanted or attempted unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, that is committed without consent. This covers a variety of different actions such as rape, sexual abuse or sexual assault. Sexual misconduct does not have to include physical contact, some examples of this can include revenge porn, making unwanted sexual comments or jokes, cyberflashing or upskirting.

The UK government define domestic abuse as an incident or patterns of incidents where there is controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse. Domestic abuse can happen between intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality. There are different categories relating to domestic abuse behaviours and it is not just confined to physical abuse.

The University does not tolerate any sexual misconduct or domestic abuse behaviours and formal reports to the University will be considered and assessed. Formal reports to the University can only be considered when the report includes individuals who are both members of the university community, either staff or students. If a student wishes to make a formal report they can do so by contacting our Student Conduct Team on student.conduct@wrexham.ac.uk.

In February 2026 the University updated the Sexual Misconduct and Domestic Abuse policy outlining the mechanisms available if a student or staff member reports an incident and the steps that may be taken as part of the investigative process. The policy can be found here: Sexual Misconduct and Domestic Abuse Policy

Immediate Help

If you, or someone else is in danger, and needs urgent support then please contact the Police on 999. If support is required, but it isn’t an emergency situation, then the Police can be contacted on their non-emergency line 101.

If the individual who needs assistance is on campus then Security are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are first aid trained and can liaise with the emergency services if they have been contacted. You can contact Security on 0764687909 or 07640687910.

The Live Fear Free Helpline is a national helpline run by Welsh Women’s Aid offering information, advice and guidance for those who have experienced sexual abuse, domestic abuse or any kind of violence against women and girls. Alongside a helpline, support can also be offered via a livechat, text and email service. More information on this can be found here. The helpline can be contacted on 0808 80 10 800.

Amethyst is based in Colwyn Bay and is the local Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for North Wales. Sexual Assault Referral Centres provide a variety support to those who had experienced any form of sexual abuse. This support can include forensic examinations, sexual health check, information on reporting options and specialist counselling services. A person does not need to report to the police to access support from the SARC. Information on Amethyst and how to access their support can be found here. For those living in England, you can enter your postcode here to find your local SARC.

Support for Students

Students can access support for any aspects relating to sexual misconduct and domestic abuse from our Student and Campus Life Team via ASK. Students do not need to make a formal report to the University to receive support and will be supported to make the most appropriate decision for them. Students can access support via this link. Staff can refer students via this link.

During an appointment with a member of the team Student and Campus Life will:

Explain reporting options available to students
Discuss any external specialist support agencies
Look at any concerns for a student’s safety or mental health
Discuss any practical concerns a student has, such as finances or academic deadlines
With a student’s permission, contact other members of staff within the University to discuss support options, e.g. speaking with Personal Tutors to look at an extension or learning plan
Support if the person who has been violent/abusive lives or studies with a student

We understand that students may disclose experiences to staff members that they feel comfortable with. To support staff members to support our students, our Student and Campus Life Team, have created a mini guide outlining how best to respond, the limits of confidentiality and support options available. This can be found here.

Specialist Support

There are lots of organisations, outside of the University, who can offer specialist support to those who have experienced domestic abuse or sexual misconduct. These include:

Live Fear Free Helpline:

Available 24 hours a day and provides guidance and support to those experiencing domestic abuse.

Men’s Advice Line:

Confidential helpline for males who have experienced domestic abuse.

0808 801 0327
info@mensadviceline.org.uk

Domestic Abuse Safety Unit (DASU):

DASU provide support to those in North East Wales who are affected by Domestic Abuse.

0333 360 0483
info@dasunorthwales.co.uk

Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) North Wales:

Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre North Wales provides information, specialist support and therapy to anyone aged 3 and over who has experienced any kind of sexual abuse or violence either recently or in the past.

01248 670 628
info@rasacymru.org.uk

If someone has experienced sexual abuse or domestic abuse they may want to talk through what their options are. It’s important that people do not feel pressured to act in a certain way and have the information and support to make the best decision for them.