If you have experienced sexual violence, sexual harassment, or domestic abuse, recently or in the past, our specialist team of practitioners are available to offer support and advice to help you to make informed choices about your options and to get the support you need.
The Sexual Violence & Domestic Abuse Response Service (SVDARS) provides trauma-informed, person-centred support.
What we can offer?
The Sexual Violence and Domestic Abuse Response Service can support with:
- confidential advice and information to help you decide what’s right for you
- support with understanding the symptoms and impact of trauma and helping to develop coping strategies to help you feel better informed and be more confident about the choices you make
- risk and needs assessment and safety planning
- referrals to other Student Support services e.g. Mental Health and Wellbeing, Student Money Advice, Disability Advice, Therapeutic Service support
- support with accessing academic arrangements and extensions, including Individual Mitigating Circumstances (IMCs)
- support with navigating accommodation adjustments and living arrangement
- referrals to local support services depending on your needs, such as SARSAS, Southside and Safe Link
- information and advice on reporting through the university’s student misconduct process as well as support throughout the investigation
- support, information, and advice on reporting to the Police
- information and advice related to the Criminal Justice System as well as support throughout any process whilst you are a student here
- support in transitioning to services local to where you will be living as you exit the university
How to access support from the SVDARS team?
Come to the Roper Centre in 4 West and speak to a Student Support Advisor. They can give you support and advice which might include referring you to the SVDARS depending on your needs.
You can submit a report to the university via the Support & Report tool. If you leave your contact details a specialist member of Student Support and Safeguarding staff will contact you to discuss options, which might include a referral to SVDARS. If you choose to submit an anonymous report we will not be able to contact you.
What to expect from SVDARS support?
If you are referred to the SVDARS, we will usually contact you via your university email address to arrange an appointment. We will:
- offer you an appointment in person in our Student Support spaces on campus or at the Virgil building, or online through Teams
- listen to you without judgement
- you will never need to tell us everything that happened, we will focus on your support needs and ask some questions to help understand your situation in relation to risk and your safety
- help you understand your options so you can decide what is right for you
Our working hours are Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm.
If you are in immediate danger or at risk of harm
If you are concerned for your safety or are worried that you or someone you know may be at immediate risk of harm, please call 999 for the emergency services.
- for immediate help and support after rape & sexual abuse, contact The Bridge, Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) on 0117 342 6999 (available 24/7)
- if you would like to report what has happened to the police, call 999 if you are in immediate danger or 101 if not an emergency. You can also report online at Report Avon and Somerset Police
- you can also seek support from our Security Services through the SafeZone app or through calling the team on 01225 383999
Resources
Find information on a wide range of wellbeing topics and support available at the university through our Wellbeing A-Z:
- Sexual violence: support and resources – a guide on what to do, where to go, and how to access specialist support
- Domestic abuse: support and resources – information on recognising abuse and how to reach out for help
External support
If you have experienced sexual harassment, violence, or domestic abuse, there are safe and confidential places you can turn to for support. You do not have to go through this alone. These services are non-judgemental and will listen to you, believe you, and help you explore your options at your own pace.
Sexual Violence
- SARSAS – Self-help toolkit with practical exercises for survivors of sexual abuse
- Rape Crisis – Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual assault
- Galop – Specialist support for LGBTQ+ people who have experienced sexual violence
- Survivors UK – Resources and support for male survivors of sexual abuse
- Hersana – Support and advocacy for Black women and girls affected by gender-based abuse in England and Wales
Domestic Abuse
- Love Respect (Women’s Aid) – Information and advice for young people aged 18–24 experiencing relationship abuse
- Galop – Support for LGBTQ+ people experiencing domestic abuse
- ManKind Initiative – Confidential support for male survivors of domestic abuse
- Hersana – Specialist service for Black women and girls experiencing gender-based abuse in England and Wales