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    There are many different forms of abuse that a person can be subjected to but there are experienced people who can help survivors of abuse through difficult times.

    Victims of abuse need not feel that they are alone and that they should have to cope by themselves.

    Do not suffer in silence - There is always help available.

    Some local organisations who deal with people who have been affected by rape and sexual assault include:

    The Samaritans are a national organisation and they can be contacted on 116 123

     

     

    Cybersmile is a multi award-winning cyberbullying charity committed to tackling all forms of online bullying and hate campaigns. Founded in 2010, the charity began in response to the increasing number of cyberbullying related incidents of depression, eating disorders, social isolation, self-harm and suicides devastating lives around the world.

    If you are being affected by issues such as cyberbullying, sexting or online harassment, get in touch with Cybersmile for guidance and support.

    Website: www.cybersmile.org

    Email: info@cybersmile.org

    Helpline number: 0800 783 1113

    Twitter: @CybersmileHQ

    Facebook: facebook.com/TheCybersmileFoundation

     

    If you feel you have been harassed within the University environment, please contact the Students' Union Advice Centre. We will be able to direct you to the correct UWE procedure, help you write letters and accompany you to meetings with UWE.

    It is vital that you contact someone with the power to prevent it happening again, either to yourself or to another student, whether that's the police or a member of staff within the University.

    If you are harassed outside the University, the Students' Union Advice Centre can offer help and information about taking action.

    Further help & support:

     

    UWE's online tool has been developed for UWE Bristol students to get help if you've experienced something on campus or on university business that makes you feel upset or uncomfortable.

    With Report and Support, you can choose to speak with one of UWE's trained advisers so they can discretely investigate incidents, or you can report issues anonymously.

     

    The Students' Union and the University both have an Equal Opportunities Policy and take any racial attack or racial discrimination very seriously.

    If you have suffered any racially motivated attack, abuse or harassment, contact the Advice Centre to discuss what has happened. Alternatively, you can contact the police.

    The Advice Centre will be able to guide you through the procedure for reporting discrimination at UWE. We can help you write letters and ensure you are supported at any meeting you may have with the University. For further information contact:

     

    Rape and sexual abuse are traumatic crimes that can range from violent sexual assault to having ‘problems with consent’ and someone who experiences them may have feelings of self-blame, shame and being violated in the most personal and intimate way. People are affected in many ways and can suffer great distress. Many are overwhelmed and confused by painful feelings. Make sure you talk to someone, whether that be for practical advice, support or just to have someone to talk to who understands how you may feel.

    If you would like to report a rape or sexual assault to the police, the following are advisable but don’t worry if you have already done some of these:

    • try to do so as quickly as possible to collect forensic evidence
    • not to wash or change your clothes
    • not to eat or drink anything
    • not to disturb anything in the area of the attack

    Even if the attack happened a long time ago it can still be important to report it.

    Anti-Sexual Violence Service

    This UWE service can support you if you’ve experienced sexual trauma of any kind, either recently or in the past.

    The first thing to remember – if something sexual has been done to you without your consent, it is sexual violence – and it is not your fault. You are not to blame for any sexual harassment or violence you were subjected to.

    Whatever you are feeling right now, it is normal. There is no right or wrong way to feel or respond.

    UWE Bristol's Anti-Sexual Violence Service provides a non-judgemental, inclusive and confidential safe space for you to seek support if you have experienced sexual trauma of any kind, even if you don’t want to report something.

    It’s an appointment-based service offering face-to-face, telephone or video call appointments from every campus.

    We offer six sessions to students who have had a recent experience of sexual trauma and three sessions to students who have had a non-recent experience.

    For more information, including how to refer to the service, please click here.

    In emergencies please always call 999 and if you need to speak to someone at the University you can call the 24/7 Student Support and Triage Team via the Serious Concerns Line on +44 (0)117 32 84000 any time (day or night).

     

    UWE Report and Support tool

    UWE's online tool has been developed for UWE Bristol students to get help if you've experienced something on campus or on university business that makes you feel upset or uncomfortable.

    With Report and Support, you can choose to speak with one of UWE's trained advisers so they can discretely investigate incidents, or you can report issues anonymously.

    For further information relating to abuse and rape:

    For further information about different types of violence and abuse, and the support services available to you, please see: www.bava.org.uk

     

    Staying safe and looking out for your friends is really important.

    Here are a few basic tips for when you're out and about:

    • When walking on the street, stay alert to what's happening around you. Look confident and try to walk home at night with a friend - if you can't, try to make sure someone knows where you are and when you'll be back.
    • If you can, try to carry some change and enough money for a taxi. Pre-order a taxi, rather than flagging one down and if you are female and alone give your surname only when you book it. Use reputable firms. When your taxi arrives, check that the name on the side of the car is the name of the firm you booked with and that the driver asks for you by name.
    • Check that the taxi has a Bristol City Council registration plate (near to the number plate). Don't be afraid of noting it down if you want to. Never, ever, get into a car that claims to be a taxi but doesn't have a taxi registration plate. Don't get into a taxi if you feel uneasy about it.
    • Walk on the side of the street that faces the traffic. Try to walk in the middle of the pavement and avoid short cuts that take you to dark or quieter places - like parks and alleyways. If you think you're being followed, cross the road and change your pace. If the person stays with you then try to get to the nearest busy place or the nearest well-lit house and ask for help.
    • If you see someone being harassed or attacked, make lots of noise to draw other peoples' attention to what is happening and frighten off the attacker. If you have a personal alarm, use it.
    • Have your keys ready when you're coming up to your home.
    • If you drive: avoid isolated car parks; make sure that you have enough petrol to get home; keep your doors and windows locked when in your car alone at night and have your keys ready when walking up to your car.
    • If you are a cyclist, avoid dark and badly lit routes at night and remember to lock your bike somewhere well-lit and secure when you leave it.
    • Beware of scams: sometimes you might receive texts, emails or a phone call from people pretending to be someone they aren't (e.g. Student Loans Company, your bank). Be vigilant - these are usually scams from people trying to steal your money. They may appear genuine if they have some personal information about you.
      • Never give out your personal details, log-in details, passwords or bank account details via email or over the phone, or confirm that any details they already have are correct.
      • Never transfer money to an account that you don’t recognise.
      • Never click on any links, open attachments or reply to a suspicious email.
      • If you’re unsure if a phone call is genuine, hang up and tell them you will call them back. Look up a number you’ve found from a reputable source (official letter, official website) rather than using a number that they give you.

     

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