The Discrimination and Harassment Office (DISCHO) at the University of Cape Town (UCT) assists the campus community in matters of discrimination, sexual harassment, harassment, domestic violence and rape. DISCHO comprises a group of supportive people, student support officers and advisors who are able to help you. Mediators are also available to help mediate any dispute.
DISCHO offers the following services:
office of first report of harassment or discrimination
assistance with referral to appropriate procedures (on alleged transgressions)
awareness campaigns on issues of harassment and discrimination
assisting with UCT policy formulation
legal advice and court preparation for gender-violence victims (staff and students), with particular expertise in protection orders
trial assistance and disciplinary hearing preparation programmes
workshops and discussions on a variety of issues, including masculinity, race and gender.
It also offers:
networking with relevant stakeholders and role players
setting up electronic databases and communication systems
presentations on available services
advice and assistance to staff and students on a variety of legal issues
Notice
DISCHO was reviewed in 2015 following criticism about its effectiveness in addressing sexual violence and harassment on campus. In 2016 the Sexual Assault Response Team was established to strengthen existing service delivery to the university community.
