If you think you or someone you know is being sexually assaulted there is a variety of support options available to both students and staff.
For students and staff
Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVAs). The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) work with anyone in Surrey whose life has been affected by rape or sexual abuse, whether recently or in the past. The RASASC ISVAs are trained to look after the needs of a survivor of rape or sexual violence to ensure they receive the best possible care and understanding.
Contact them and ask to speak to an adviser in confidence. ISVAs are there to provide information to ensure an individual can make a decision that is right for them.
Centre for Wellbeing: the University’s team of professional counsellors, and mental health workers offers confidential support.
Buryfields Clinic offers free and confidential sexual health services and is only a 15-minute walk from Stag Hill campus.
Chaplaincy: our chaplains are from many different faiths and beliefs. We also have non-faith or spiritual chaplains.
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
National Health Service: NHS surgeries in the area provide support with a range of physical health and wellbeing issues. You can also use the NHS service search or call 0300 311 22 33 for details of other local surgeries.
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 hearings.
Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (SVLOs) are trained in taking disclosures of historic or new incidents of sexual violence and are equipped to provide you with the support you need.
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 at Surrey. 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.
Trade unions: there are three trade unions that represent staff at the University: Unison, Unite and UCU.
Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) provides free and impartial information and advice to employers and employees on all aspects of workplace relations and employment law.
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
Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) work with anyone in Surrey whose life has been affected by rape or sexual abuse, whether recently or in the past.
The Surrey Solace Centre (SARC) offers free support and practical help to anyone in Surrey who has experienced sexual violence and/or abuse. The SARC offers counselling, emotional support and ISVAs (Independent Sexual Violence Advisors). The SARC will, with your consent, also obtain and preserve forensic evidence for up to 2 years for you, with no obligation to report to the police or the University.
You can call them free on 0300 130 3038 or find out more on The Solace Centre home page.
If you feel you need to visit the SARC, the Students’ Union and University are able to pay the costs of your taxi fare. Please email the Centre for Wellbeing with your name and bank details, then attach proof of your journey such as a receipt or taxi screenshot.Galop is a charity that supports lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and queer people affected by sexual violence.
The National Stalking Helpline can give you information and advice on support and options available to you.
MALE is an advice line for male victims of domestic abuse.
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.
REACH provide 24-hour crisis intervention and support for anyone who has experienced a sexual offence, regardless of when the offence occurred or whether the incident was reported to the police or not. Tel: 0333 344 8283.
Survivors UK: support and help for male survivors of sexual violence including counselling and therapy appointments as well as online chat. Tel: 020 3598 3898
Revenge Porn Helpline supports adult victims of intimate image abuse who live in the UK. It provides advice, guidance and support with helping to remove intimate content which has been non-consensually shared online.
Victim Focus: free access E-learning course entitled 'Caring for yourself after sexual violence'. This course is available to anyone who has been subjected to sexual violence in childhood or adulthood.
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.