A PhD student at Oxford University's Balliol College has spoken out about what she describes as a toxic response from staff following her complaint of sexual assault. Harriet, who has multiple disabilities, alleges that she was repeatedly sexually assaulted in 2019 by a fellow student, and that the college's handling of the case was marred by inappropriate comments and a failure to take action without fully hearing her evidence.
Harriet detailed several instances of alleged inappropriateness, including the college chaplain, Bruce Kinsey, reportedly asking her if she was aware of her effect on men, calling her "very physically attractive," and suggesting she should be wary of the impact on her alleged attacker. She claims Kinsey also advised her that she didn't want to "piss people off who you might meet again downstream." Furthermore, after reapplying for disability access accommodation, Harriet states she received an email from the praefectus, Tom Melham, that implied her behaviour, including drinking, was an issue. Harriet has provided audio and video recordings which she says support the latter two allegations.
In response to her experiences, a newly formed group, the Balliol Community for Safety, has penned an open letter to the college master, Helen Ghosh, condemning Harriet's treatment. The letter, signed by hundreds of Oxford students, equality campaigners, Labour MP Jess Phillips, and Oxford Labour councillor Shaista Aziz, among others, has sparked protests outside the college. During a recent carol service, a group wearing red stood and turned their backs whenever Ghosh or the chaplain spoke.
Harriet expressed her disappointment that speaking publicly had not led to reform, stating that Balliol College had become "more adversarial" and that the situation had left her "exhausted, highly anxious, and deeply depressed." While an independent inquiry into the college's handling of the complaint has been announced, Harriet and the Balliol Community for Safety remain unconvinced it will lead to real change. Co-founder Clara Holcroft expressed concerns that it might be a measure to "placate us with no plans in the meantime."
The Balliol Community for Safety has pledged to continue protesting until its demands are met, which include holding staff accountable for their actions, providing comprehensive training for handling complaints, and reviewing all cases reported within the last three years. Fiónn McFadden, another co-founder, emphasised their desire for students to feel safe and confident in the college's welfare systems, rather than feeling their problems are exacerbated.