If you think you or someone you know has experienced Sexual Violence, there is a lot of support available at both the University of York and externally. Talking things through with someone you trust such as a friend, relative, or colleague can sometimes help.
If there is an immediate danger call 999 or if you are on campus then you can call Campus Safety 24/7 365 days a year to help aid the emergency services on +44 (0)1904 32 3333 or use the SafeZone app.
If there is an immediate danger call 999 or if you are on campus then you can call Campus Safety 24/7 365 days a year to help aid the emergency services on +44 (0)1904 32 3333 or use the SafeZone app.
The Silent Solution
In danger and need the police but can’t speak?
- Dial 999
- Listen to the questions from the 999 operator
- Respond by coughing or tapping the handset if you can (make yourself heard in any way possible)
- Then, when prompted, press 55
By doing this, it lets the operator know that there’s a genuine emergency and you’ll be put through to the police immediately.
Support within the University for Students
- Our Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (SVLOs) can work with you one-to-one to talk you through your support options and reporting options, both within the University and externally. They will support you through whatever choices are right for you. You can access support from an SVLO whether something has happened recently or some time ago. Support is confidential and you will not be pressured into taking any particular course of action. Complete this form to contact the SVLOs.
- College support - Speak to a member of your College team, such as College Manager, College Life Coordinator or College Life Advisor.
- Open Door Team - If you are struggling and need specialist mental health support support.
- Student Hub - The first point of contact for areas relating to student support and advice. They will be able to point you in the right direction with regards to which service may be suitable to your needs.
Support within the University for Staff
- Line Manager - Line managers have responsibility for ensuring that complaints are resolved. See the Support for Staff web pages.
- HR Partner/Advisor - Each department is supported by an HR Partner and an HR Advisor. They provide specialist support and advice on all HR issues for managers and staff.
- Employee Assistance Programme - Health Assured - Health Assured offers you independent, free and completely confidential telephone support, online resources and, where appropriate, face-to-face or telephone counselling. Counsellors are available to talk through any problem, no matter how big or small, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- Domestic Violence - See the University’s Domestic Violence web page for information on support for staff who experience domestic abuse, and for managers to help them support staff who are experiencing domestic abuse.
Support from Your Unions
As a student you can also get independent advice and support from the University of York Students' Unions
York SU Advice and Support offer confidential, independent and non-judgemental advice on a range of wellbeing and academic issues. They are able to speak with you about your situation, and make you aware of the support services available to you within the University and more widely, as well as to make you aware of your options. They can also help you to decide if you would like to report an incident, and can assist you in completing the reporting form.
As a member of staff you can also get independent advice from your union.
You can seek support from your Trade Union. If you are not a member of a Trade Union, you could seek advice and guidance from ACAS, the TUC, or Citizen’s Advice.
Support outside of the University
- Bridge House SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) - Offers support and guidance, a medical assessment/treatment, a forensic examination, and the opportunity for aftercare referrals into support services. You will be offered these services based on your individual needs, and can choose to use as much or as little of the service as you wish.
- IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Services) - IDAS is the largest specialist charity in Yorkshire supporting people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. They can do outreach support and help you access a refuge if needed.
- YorSexual Health - NHS service who offer confidential, free and friendly sexual health and contraception services across York and North Yorkshire that are available to everyone
- Survive - York-based charity providing 1:1 support and specialist counselling to women and men who have survived child sexual abuse, rape or sexual assault.
- The Women’s Wellness Centre - The Women’s Wellness Centre (WWC) is a community venue that provides holistic support to all self-identifying women. There is a timetable of various groups, drop-ins and activities such as art and baking. One-to-one key work is also available, which aims to support you to meet your needs and goals. Overall, the WWC is a place where women can gather together to seek support, develop peer networks, and enjoy time in a safe, non-judgemental, women-only space. To find out more about this service contact; Stephanie.McCusker@changing-lives.org.uk or call 01904 526529.
- Survivors UK - Charity who offer advice and support for male and non binary survivors of sexual abuse.
- GALOP - Charity offering support and advice for LGBTQ+ people who have experienced sexual violence.
- Kyra - Charity based in York that offers a range of courses, therapies and events to help support vulnerable women.
- Citizens Advice (Rape and Sexual Assault) - For information on rape and sexual assault.
- Samaritans - You can call for free on 116 123 for non-judgemental emotional support 24/7, regardless of what you’re going through. You can also email them at jo@samaritans.org.
- IAPT (Independent Assessment and Psychological Treatment) - The York and Selby improving access to psychological therapies (IAPT) service offer psychological treatments for stress, anxiety and depression to anyone under the care of a GP in the Vale of York area.
- The Haven @ 30 Clarence Street - Offers out of hours mental health support to anyone aged 16 or over in York and Selby.
- York Mind - A Mental Health Charity offering a range of services including information, activities, groups, and one-to-one counselling in York focussed on helping you in recovery.
- TalkCampus - an online mental health peer support network just for students, accessed via an app or web platform. It offers instant, ongoing global support at any time of the day or night, wherever students are in the world, supporting over 26 languages. It is available to all students, who register using their university email address.