You are not alone. If you’ve experienced any kind of sexual violence, sexual harassment, or domestic abuse, whether it happened recently or in the past, support is available for you.

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 and sexual abuse, contact Avon and Somerset 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 it’s not an emergency. You can also report online to 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

What we can offer

The Sexual Violence and Domestic Abuse Response Service (SVDARS) provides trauma-informed, person-centred support and can assist 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
• 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 Safelink
• information and advice on reporting through the university’s Student Conduct 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 local services 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 can offer you appointments in person in our Student Support spaces on campus, or at the Virgil Building, or online through Teams
  
• we will listen to you without judgement
  
• you will never be asked 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
  
• we will help you understand your options so you can decide what is right for you
• our working hours are Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm
  

Resources

The following resources are from the university, local and national services that provide information and support for people who have experienced sexual harassment, sexual violence or domestic abuse.

University 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

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