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Sexual violence: support and resources

Understand sexual violence, find support for yourself, or learn how to support others.

Support is available for sexual violence

It can be incredibly difficult to tell someone you have experienced sexual violence, but we want you to know that support is available from the university, local organisations, and healthcare services. You can choose whether to report what has happened to you or not. There is no pressure, and support will be guided by your needs and at your pace.

Sexual violence can be experienced by anyone, regardless of gender, age, sexuality, race, class, or whether they have a disability. It is never your fault. The responsibility always lies with the person who has caused you harm.

At the University of Bath, sexual violence is #NeverOK. The university is committed to fostering a safe, respectful environment and offers trauma-informed support through the Sexual Violence & Domestic Abuse Response Service (SVDARS).

What is sexual violence

Sexual violence is defined as any sexual act or activity that happened without consent. A person consents to something if that person ‘agrees by choice and has the freedom and capacity to make that choice’ (Sexual Offences Act 2003). Consent should be freely given, reversable, informed, enthusiastic, and specific.

Sexual violence can include, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Rape, which includes sex with someone when they are too drunk or high to consent, or asleep.
  • Sexual assault, including unwanted touching, kissing, grinding.
  • Indecent exposure or deliberately exposing genitals, also known as ‘flashing’.
  • Image-based sexual abuse, including sending unrequested sexual images and sharing intimate images of someone else without their permission.
  • Spiking someone’s drink, including giving them more alcohol than they asked for, and then having sex with them.
  • Pressure, manipulation, coercion, intimidation, threatening, or bullying someone into a sexual act.

Please see the Rape Crisis website for more information and definitions.

Sexual violence is a criminal offence and can have a long-lasting impact on someone’s wellbeing and sense of safety.

What you can do now

If you suspect you might have experienced sexual violence there are many support services available to help you feel safer and get the support you need.

If you are at immediate risk:

  • If you are concerned for your safety or are worried that someone else may be at immediate risk of harm, please call 999 for emergency services.
  • Find a safe space. If an incident has just happened, try to find somewhere you feel safe where you can contact someone for support.
  • For immediate help after rape & sexual abuse, contact the Bridge Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) on 0117 342 6999 (available to call for free 24/7, 365 days a year). The Bridge offer medical care, emotional and psychological support, as well as forensic medical examinations, emergency contraception and connect you to sexual health services.
  • If you know you want to report to the police, you can contact them directly by calling 101 (or 999 if it’s an emergency). They will help to arrange a visit to the Bridge or will pass your details on to them (with your consent) so that the Bridge can contact you afterwards to offer follow-up support.
  • If you are in Bath and you need support from University Security call 01225 383999 or via the SafeZone app.

Emergency Medical Care: What you need to know

  • If you think you have been given any type of drug, it is best to be tested within 24 hours.
  • If you need emergency contraception, medication should be started within 72 hours.
  • If you would like HIV prevention drugs, medication should be started within 36 hours.
  • Any forensic evidence collected can be stored whilst you decide what to do next.

People you can talk to

Speaking to someone about what’s happened can be helpful. Having another person’s perspective can help you to understand what’s happening and validate how you’re feeling. You’re in control of what you share, you never have to talk about anything you don’t feel safe or comfortable to. You could:

Looking after yourself

If you’ve experienced sexual violence, any emotional, physical or behavioural reactions you may have are completely valid. You might feel overwhelmed, numb, angry, or afraid. You may experience symptoms like flashbacks, insomnia, or social withdrawal. These are all normal responses to trauma and can make life and everyday tasks feel emotionally and physically exhausting.

These self-help guides offer some practical self-care tips and reassurances to help you on your journey towards healing:

Helpful websites

Supporting someone who has experienced sexual violence

Supporting someone who has experienced sexual violence can feel really difficult. Your feelings about the sexual violence they have experienced may be very complicated, whether it happened recently or a long time ago. You might be worried about saying the ‘wrong thing’ or be tempted to not bring it up again. It’s important to take what they say seriously, believe them, and guide them to the right support for them whilst looking after your own wellbeing.

What can you do to help

  • Check they’re safe - If not, help them make arrangements, like finding safe accommodation or seeking medical care. Let them know you’re here to help and share information about The Bridge.
  • Listen - Let them speak about their experience in their own words and try not to interrupt and ask too many questions. It may have taken them a long time to feel brave enough to tell you so it’s important you give them space to talk.
  • Believe them - Say it clearly: “I believe you.” This helps people feel safer and validated. It can be a key step toward recovery and may empower them to report if they choose to.
  • Ask how you can help - Offer support but let them decide what they need. Respecting their choices helps restore a sense of control.
  • Reassure them - Their feelings; guilt, confusion and anger are normal. Remind them it’s not their fault. Responsibility lies with the person who harmed them.
  • Respect their decisions - They may not want to report right away, or at all. That’s okay. Let them know they can take their time and that confidential support is available should they wish to access it.

Looking after yourself whilst supporting others

We understand that you may feel confused about what is happening for them and how you can best give your support. You may also have your own strong feelings about what has happened and what should happen next. There is support available both within and outside the university for both the person affected and yourself. If you need to talk to someone about your own wellbeing then reach out for support.

You may also find the SARSAS guide to supporting the person you care about helpful in providing information and reassurance.

Hearing about something traumatic that has happened can also affect you emotionally and be exhausting. Remember, it’s okay to set boundaries and take care of your own needs. Only offer the support you feel able to. Supporting someone through a tough time can be overwhelming, and it’s important to ask for help when you need it too.

Try to stay connected with your own support networks and make time for the things you enjoy, like hobbies or sports, these are essential for your wellbeing. Use the Be Well app and its resources to help support you too. Be mindful of the small things that help you feel well, such as eating heathy meals and getting enough sleep. These simple habits can have a big impact, but they’re easy to forget when you're focused on supporting someone else.

Helpful websites

Final thoughts

Experiencing sexual violence can be overwhelming and distressing but support is here, and healing is possible. Whether you're ready to talk, explore your options, or simply need space to breathe, there are people who care and want to help. You deserve support. You deserve safety. You deserve to be heard.

If you are supporting a friend after sexual violence, this can feel daunting, but your presence alone can be deeply comforting. If you're able, listen with care, offer reassurance, and encourage them to seek support. Don’t forget to look after yourself too, talk to someone you trust or a professional. Your wellbeing matters.

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