I have been sexually assaulted, or am worried someone has been assaulted. What support is available?

If you think you or someone you know is being sexually assaulted there is a variety of support options available.

• 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 Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (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. 
• 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. 
• 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). 
• 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 Advisers). 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.
• 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. 
• Respect is an advice line for male victims of domestic abuse.
• 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.