Discrimination & Harassment Office
The Discrimination & Harassment Office (DISCHO) was established in 2001 to implement UCT's policies on harassment and discrimination and to deal with these issues in a more systematic and efficient way.
This office co-ordinates, profiles and facilitates the necessary services to deal with and prevent harassment and discrimination at UCT, as well as to raise awareness around these and related topics. The office receives, assists with, advises on and investigates claims regarding all forms of discrimination and harassment, including rape, and provides assistance to both complainants and alleged perpetrators.
Services
The services offered by DISCHO include:
- Awareness campaigns on issues of harassment and discrimination
- Office of first report of harassment / discrimination
- Investigation procedures on alleged transgressions
- Assisting with UCT policy formulation
- Legal advice & court preparation for gender violence victims (staff and students), with particular expertise in Protection Orders
- Trial assistance and disciplinary hearing preparation programmes
- Workshops and discussion on a variety of issues, including masculinity, race and gender
Other services
In addition to the above, the following services are also offered by DISCHO.
- Investigations of complaints that include sexual harassment, racial discrimination and intimidation
- Networking with relevant stakeholders and role players
- Setting up electronic databases and communication systems
- Presentations around available services
- Advise and assistance to staff and students on a variety of legal issues
- Conflict resolution
- Mediation
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