Response to students on GBH matters

Response to students on GBH matters

13 November 2025 - Wits University

Students are encouraged to report all matters related to Gender-Based Harm to the Gender Equity Office.

Wits University condemns all forms of gender-based violence and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and socially just environment for all members of the Wits community. The University has a zero-tolerance policy on gender-based harm and encourages all members of the Wits community to report incidences of gender-based harm as soon as possible, either in-person, or online. Gender-based harm/violence, bullying and discrimination undermine human dignity, erode trust and compromise the ability of staff and students to thrive academically and professionally.

Students are encouraged to report all matters related to Gender-Based Harm to the Gender Equity Office. Please note that this is the University's institutional office and is separate from the SRC Office/r that may hold a similar portfolio.

How to report a GHB matter online

Response to Students' Demands

On Tuesday, 11 November 2025, the Dean of Student Affairs received a memorandum of demands from protesting students in relation to gender-based harm. The University responded to these demands on 13 November 2025.

Read the Response to Students' demands on GBH matters

Remit of the Gender Equity Office

The University established the Gender Equity Office (GEO) in 2013 to professionally manage incidents of gender-based harm that are reported. The Office adopts a complainant-centred approach, and all matters are managed confidentially to protect the complainant.

The Gender Equity Office is dedicated to addressing all forms of gender-based harm and violence allegedly perpetrated by Wits-affiliated respondents. The focus of its scope focuses on matters including verbal, non-verbal and physical sexual harassment, sexual assault, gendered discrimination, gendered bullying, rape and grooming, amongst many other types of harm.

Policies and procedures

All GEO policies and procedures are available on the GEO website at https://www.wits.ac.za/geo/. While anonymous reporting is accepted, the GEO's policy notes that anonymous reporting does give rise to certain limitations such as the inability to take disciplinary measures where the complainant is not known. This is because, without identifying the complainant, one cannot formulate a legally sound charge that would enable disciplinary steps to be taken.

In the ordinary course, once reports are received, the GEO consults with the complainant and informs them of the protective measures that can be actioned in support of their needs as well as the investigation and disciplinary processes that can be pursued. Complainants are also informed about the available external remedies such as reporting their matters to the police. Depending on the decision taken by the complainant on how to proceed, the GEO then actions the support requested by the complainant. In the case where complainants elect to report their matters to the South African Police Service; the GEO arranges their transportation and psychosocial support to meet the needs that may arise from the criminal justice process.

Awareness and advocacy

The GEO also runs several information sessions, training workshops and other activities to share these policies with students and to train students, student leaders and staff on these policies and processes. The GEO regularly reports on GBV related matters via the relevant University structures, including the Student Services Advisory Committee.

How to report an incident

You can report an incident as follows:

• In-person by walking into the Gender Equity Office,
• Telephonically,
• Via Email, or
• Online via the online reporting portal.

The University has introduced this dedicated online reporting platform to ensure that all forms of harm are addressed promptly, fairly and transparently.

Emergency telephonic counselling can also be accessed via the Wits Students' Crisis Line on 0800 111 331. This line is available to all Wits students 24/7/365. The Wits Student Crisis App is also available for students who prefer live chat or text counselling or contact CCDU for assistance.