The Sexual Harassment and Sexual Offences Policies These policies were approved by Council in 2008, and apply to staff and students. A number of innovative definitions, procedures and guidelines were introduces, of which the following are the most significant: All matters regarding a sexual offence or harassment must be reported directly to Discho (The Discrimination and Harassment Office). No manager or person in supervisory capacity has a discretion to decide on a different means of dealing with it This is to ensure consistency, to provide improved accessibility, and to establish a central data base. The policy provides for two possible routes for the complainant: informal and formal procedure. The complainant has the choice, and will be assisted and supported by a trained support person, a Sexual Harassment Advisor (SHA). The respondent also has the right to be assisted with advice, by a similar but different person (this is in line with the Racial Harassment Policy). During the process of advice and decision on which route to choose, the Director of Discho may be assisted by an Advisory Panel. Its function is to assist the Director and enable the complainant to make the most informed choice (also similar to the Racial Harassment Policy). In the informal procedure, attempts will be made to resolve the matter through discussion and mediation where appropriate, involving both the complainant and the respondent, or with the respondent only, at the choice of the complainant. For all such cases: the permission of the respondent is necessary the content of these discussions is confidential the complainant has the right to institute formal disciplinary charges where the process and outcome has been unsatisfactory. An informal intervention may take place, if so desired, in the absence of the complainant. If attended by both parties, this meeting can also be facilitated by a single or panel of facilitators, depending on the nature of the complaint (also similar to the Racial Harassment Policy). In terms of the formal procedure, existing disciplinary structures of UCT are used, depending on whether the complainant is a staff or a student. Special provision, however, is made in terms of procedures and officials, to ensure fairness, a subject-specific approach and a just outcome. There is also a choice for a complainant in a rape case, for instance, to have the matter heard in the criminal courts (specialised Sexual Offences division, Magistrate's Courts) or within the disciplinary structures of UCT (Student Tribunal, for students, and Disciplinary Hearing for staff members). In both instances the complainant will be assisted and supported by Discho.i i Additional support services are also available to complainants in the form of Student Support Officers.