If you think you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, there are a variety of support options available to both students and staff.
For students and staff
Chaplaincy: our chaplains are from many different faiths and beliefs. We also have non-faith or spiritual chaplains.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team: the team provides advice, support and guidance on equality, diversity and inclusion related issues to students and staff.
LGBTQI Equality Group: the group exists to further equality for LGBT staff, students and the wider LGBT community. It acts as a lead on the University’s initiatives within the framework of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme and helps to formulate and advise University initiatives to encourage greater representation of the LGBT community in all areas of University life.
Rainbow Allies: a group of staff and students who show their commitment to the LGBTQI Community here at Surrey by agreeing to a number of pledges and demonstrating their support via door/computer stickers, mugs and badges.
Faith and Belief Forum: the Faith and Belief Forum serves as a place of common ground for different faith and belief communities to contribute to the diversity of the University community and be valued for that.
For students
Centre for Wellbeing: the University’s team of professional counsellors, and mental health workers offers confidential support.
The University of Surrey Students Union (USSU) is a free confidential, impartial service where students can get advice and information on academic and personal issues, including advice on procedures and representation at meetings.
Peer Support Service: Peer Supporters are current Surrey students who provide a non-judgemental listening, supportive service to all Surrey students.
The Residential Life team are responsible for the general welfare and good conduct within the halls of residence.
Personal tutors are there to support your academic, personal and professional development throughout your time here. They will refer you to appropriate academic, welfare and support services when necessary. Tutors follow a Code of practice for personal tutoring to ensure they are delivering the best possible help to you.
Extenuating Circumstances. If you feel your studies have been affected by what has happened you can consider applying for extenuating circumstances (ECs).
For staff
Human Resources: if you are a member of staff or manager your HR contact will be able to identify the support that’s available for you.
The Employee Assistance Programme, BHSF RISE, gives staff access to free personalised, on-demand advice and support from a team of mental health, financial and legal experts, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Trade unions: there are three trade unions that represent staff at the University: Unison, Unite and UCU.
Occupational Health provide a range of occupational health services including, absence management. health surveillance, health screening, work station assessments, policy design, on site assistance/clinics, disability at work, and health promotion.
Other sources of support
Women’s Aid support for women and children in domestic abuse situations. We are mindful of those who may be in isolation with abusive partners during this time. Women's Aid have produced a coronavirus safety advice article which can be found here: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/covid-19-coronavirus-safety-advice-for-survivors/.Men's Advice Line is a confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic violence.
Mankind: their confidential helpline is available for all men across the UK suffering from domestic violence or domestic abuse by their current or former wife or partner (including same-sex partner). Call 01823 334244 10am - 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Next Link: crisis support and temporary supported housing for women and children experiencing abuse.
National Domestic Violence helpline: call 0808 2000 247 for confidential advice 24/7.
Victim Support help anyone who has been the victim of a crime. They can support you coping with the after-effects of crime and help with reporting to the police. Refuge provides practical and legal support women, children and men suffering all forms of domestic abuse.
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse helpline. Run by Galop, it provides emotional and practical support for LGBT+ people experiencing domestic abuse.
Healthy Surrey. You'll find self-care information, as well as signposting to local health and wellbeing services available to you as a Surrey resident.
Revenge Porn Helpline is a UK service supporting adults (aged 18+) who are experiencing intimate image abuse, also known as, revenge porn.
SafeLives is a UK-wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse, for everyone and for good.
Karma Nirvana is a specialist charity that supports people affected by Honour Based Abuse.
Cifas is the UK's fraud prevention community. For over 30 years they have worked with hundreds of organisations to stop fraud and their community is made up organisations from across the sectors, including most banks, credit providers and telecommunication companies, who join Cifas as members.
The Cyber Helpline provides free, expert help for victims of cybercrime and online harm.
Relevant training available for staff
LGBT Awareness: designed to build the knowledge and confidence of the delegates to feel more knowledgeable around the LGBTQI+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex plus) community, and confident in supporting LGBTQI+ individuals.
Building Disability Confidence: designed to build the knowledge and confidence of the delegates to feel more knowledgeable about the subject of disability, and confident to support and manage disabled individuals.
Unconscious Bias: enables you to explore how we may all be biased and the impact this may have.
Mental Health Awareness for Managers Masterclass: provides an opportunity for managers to explore the key role they play in spotting the signs of poor mental health, engaging with the issue and supporting their team.
For more information about available training, please visit our Learning and Development website.