I have experienced sexual violence. Where can I go for advice and support?

Deciding what to do next
Do not feel under any pressure to act in any specific way. It is up to you to choose what kind of support you want to access and whether or not you want to report the incident/s to the Police or LSBU.

You can also choose to do nothing now if you feel that it would be useful for you. Take the time to think about the options open to you.


LSBU help and advice
There are Student Liaison Officers in the Wellbeing Team who are trained to provide specific support for students who have experienced abuse including sexual violence, harassment, bullying, hate incidents, domestic violence or sexual violence. Their role it is to ensure that you are aware of your options (with no pressure or judgement) and that you get support from the right people where needed. This can look like support/ information accessing external services, information about making a formal report to LSBU or support with your studies including any reasonable adjustments or breaks that may be needed.

The appointments are confidential within the service. The only reason information would need to be share is if deemed there is a danger to yourself or to others, or if there is a legal duty to report.

To access this support please contact us at studentwellbeing@lsbu.ac.uk or report incidents via Report and Support. We are open 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, with some additional availability on Saturday. We will try to respond to any report of Sexual Violence as a priority.


Making a formal complaint to LSBU
One of the options we will talk to you about is making a formal complaint if another student or member of staff at LSBU was involved. LBSU will consider whether it is appropriate to act under the student or staff disciplinary procedure.  You can do this by completing a Disciplinary Incident Report form and emailing it to studisc@lsbu.ac.uk. The procedure can be found here.

If a police investigation or criminal proceedings are taking place LSBU will not normally carry out its own investigation until the criminal process is complete. This is because there is a high risk that a LSBU investigation could compromise any police investigation or criminal proceedings.


Reporting to the Police
There is no time limit on reporting sexual violence; you can go to the police at any time after the crime has taken place. The Metropolitan Police website provides further information on reporting : https://www.met.police.uk/  

However, if the incident happened recently there may be evidence such as DNA that would be useful to an investigation, which can be gathered at a Sexual Assault Referral Centre called The Havens. Evidence can be stored anonymously until you decide if you want to report to the police.

If you are thinking of reporting to the police, you can access confidential support from an Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA). ISVAs are independent from the police, and can provide practical and emotional support, helping you to make informed decisions 
You can refer for ISVA support via the following –  

• ISVAs | Rape Crisis England & Wales
• ISVA Service - Survivors Network

Timeframes relevant to incidents of sexual violence.

• If you suspect you were given any type of drug, it is best to be tested within 24 hours. This can be done at a sexual assault referral centre The Havens.
• If you want emergency contraception, it should be started within 72 hours or within 120 hours (5 days). You can access emergency contraception for free at most local sexual health clinics. The emergency contraceptive pill can be delivered to you for free by Sexual Health London  or purchased at most pharmacies.
• You may need to access STI testing. This can be done at sexual health clinics or an test kit sent to you for free by Sexual Health London. You may need to wait a few weeks for the test to be accurate.
• If you would like HIV prophylaxis, the medication should be started within 72 hours. You can access this from any GUM clinic or A&E.
• Forensic evidence can be collected up to 7 days after the assault. For some evidence the window is 24 hours.

You are not alone
You can seek advice from a number of agencies, at any time after the incident, even years later - support is not limited to those who choose to make an immediate report. Some other organisations which can provide advice and support are linked below:

• Rape Crisis-  A national charity offering confidential help, advice to those who have experienced any form of sexual violence at any point in their lives. There are 4 Rape Crisis Centres in London. Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line open 24 hours a day: 0808 500 2222
• Survivors UK A national charity supporting men and non-binary people aged 13 and over who have experienced sexual violence at any time in their lives. Text chat open 12pm-8pm Monday-Sunday : 020 3322 1860
• Galop A national charity supporting LGBTQ+ people who have experienced all forms of abuse, including sexual violence. Can email help@galop.org.uk at any time. Support line open Monday to Thursday 10am to 8pm , and Friday 10am to 4:00pm: 0800 999 5428
• Respond provides therapy and specialist support services including advocacy to people with learning disabilities, autism or both who have experienced abuse, violence, or trauma. Call : 020 7383 0700
• Victim Support  Provide independent free advice and support for victims of crime or traumatic events. Free helpline number: 08 08 16 89 111
• Crimestoppers A national charity with a free helpline for reporting crime anonymously. Free helpline number 0800 555 11.
• National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPC)  – support and advice for those affected by childhood abuse, with a support line open Mondays to Thursdays 10am to 9pm, and Friday 10am to 6pm: 0808 801 0331.