Sexual and gender-based violence

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) affects all corners of our society, including our university. Our commitment to responding to SGBV starts with a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of sexual violence and/or sexual harassment.

As a new member of the UCT community, you are expected to be familiar with the Sexual Harassment and Sexual Offences policy (www.oic.uct.ac.za/reports-and-policies). If you would like someone to go through the policy with you, please attend training in residence or on campus or book an appointment via director.oic@uct.ac.za. Survivors of sexual violence and sexual harassment are supported by UCT and are encouraged to report incidents so that assistance can be provided. If you or any UCT student you know has experienced sexual assault or gender-based violence, please contact the Office for Inclusivity & Change (OIC) for assistance:

021 650 3530 (office hours)

072 393 7824 (24/7 hotline).

The OIC offers survivors immediate comprehensive care and support. They will assist with lodging complaints and with laying a charge with the South African Police Service. The OIC has created an online portal (https://casereporting.uct.ac.za/ReportingPage/ or via the UCT App: www.icts.uct.ac.za/uctmobile) where survivors and/or those close to them can report incidents of sexual assault or gender-based violence. If you need assistance with reporting an incident using the online reporting tool, please contact the OIC on 021 650 2767.

“I wish I had known that free HIV testing is available across campus, like at the Sports Centre and the Student Wellness Centre.” — NIGEL

If you or any student needs immediate medical assistance or advice following a rape and/or sexual assault, call, SMS or send a missed call to the 24/7 standby number: 072 393 7824. For telephonic counselling, please call Rape Crisis: 021 447 9762 or the SADAG UCT Student Careline: 0800 24 25 26 (or SMS 31393 for a callback). You can also receive individual support and referral information by visiting the OIC office at the Ivan Toms Building on lower campus (28 Rhodes Avenue, Mowbray). More information is available on the OIC’s Survivor Support web page: www.oic.uct.ac.za/survivor-support.