I think I've been sexually assaulted?
If you think you have been sexually assaulted, it may be hard to know what to do or how to feel. What happened was not your fault. What you do next is your choice.
Think
Are you in immediate danger? If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured, you can call 999 (or 112 from a mobile).
Find a safe space. If an incident has just happened try and find somewhere you feel safe. If this isn't possible and you are scared or fearful you can call Security on 0121 331 6969 when on campus.
We offer a support article on ‘What is sexual assault?’ that you may find useful.
Talk
- If you have been recently sexually assaulted, and want support and advice about what to do, we would recommend you contact your local Sexual Assault Referral Center (SARC). They have 24/7 advice lines where you can speak to a trained crisis worker confidentially. They can offer you advice on seeking medical support if required, advice around emergency contraceptions and sexual health screening. They can also offer advice around the process of reporting to the police. Horizon is the SARC covering Birmingham.
- To a friend. Talking things through with someone you trust can sometimes help.
- The University Mental Health & Wellbeing Team has trained student advisors on site Monday to Friday. You can contact the team by calling 0121 331 5188.
- If you are staff member, you may wish to contact one of the dignity at work advisors to talk through options and get some advice.
- Victim Support offer free and confidential advice and support.
- Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs): 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 advisor in confidence. ISVAs are there to provide information to ensure an individual can make a decision that is right for them. ISVAs are available to support you at the Rape & Sexual Violence Project.
Report
Report and Support. Students and staff can report an incident using the University’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can request support from an advisor. If you choose to talk to an advisor they will be able to talk through the options and support available to you, in confidence. You can report an incident no matter where it took place.
Reporting to the police. If you're thinking of reporting to the police, rape crisis have produced a useful list of things to think about.
Reporting the incident anonymously. You can call crime stoppers at any point on 0800 555 111 or use their online form.
Student Governance (students) or HR (staff members). If you choose to make a formal complaint to the University about a student or member of staff there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow.
- For students: Student Complaints Procedure
- For staff: Grievance Policy
Serious Sexual Assault. If a student or member of staff wishes to make a complaint involving a serious sexual assault they can contact the Assistant Director Student Governance, Mental Health & Wellbeing or the Director of Human Resources directly.
Get Support
- Staff members can contact the BCU Employee Assistance Programme
- Students can contact the Mental Health & Wellbeing team. Support is available to all students from wellbeing advisors, mental health advisors and counsellors.
- Call the Samaritans Helpline on 116 123 (open 24/7, 365 days a year)
- BCU’s wellbeing app is an online support service that can be accessed by BCU students and staff for free. There are self-help resources and information on anxiety, stress, managing emotions and building confidence readily available.
- Look at the NHS guidance on 5 steps to positive mental wellbeing.
- Access some self-help resources available on iCity.
- Take care of yourself. It’s important that you take care of yourself. If you’ve heard something distressing or if something is troubling you, seek help and support from one of the above services.