Relationship or domestic abuse can happen to anyone — regardless of gender, sexuality, age, or background. Abuse may involve emotional, psychological, physical, financial, or sexual harm. It can happen in couple relationships (current or past) or between family members.

Abuse is never the fault of the person experiencing it. If you are feeling scared, controlled, or isolated in your relationship, you deserve support and safety.

Relationship/domestic abuse is contrary to the University’s Harassment and Bullying Procedure.

Your safety comes first

  • Are you in immediate danger? If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured, call 999 (or 112 from a mobile).
  • If you are on campus, tell Campus Safety on 01483 68 3333 that the emergency services are on their way and give your location.
  • Find a safe space: if an incident has just happened, try to move to a place where you feel safe. If this isn’t possible on campus, you can also call Campus Safety.

Abuse can look different for different people. It may involve physical violence, but it can also be controlling behaviours, like isolating you from friends, taking over your money, “outing” your sexuality without consent, or monitoring your messages. Recognising this is the first step in reaching for support.

Talk to someone you trust

  • Friends or family can be an important first step for emotional support.
  • Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (SVLO) SVLOs are trained to support students who have experienced sexual violence and we know abuse often overlaps. An SVLO can listen, talk through your options, and, if you wish, connect you with specialist domestic abuse services.
  • Campus Safety can explain how to make a report and connect you with further help.

Reporting options

Police: if you decide to report to the police, specialist services like Galop or refuge can provide advice on navigating the process.

Report + Support: Students and staff can report anonymously or request direct support from trained staff. Every report is taken seriously, and you will be supported to explore your options.

Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (SVLO) if domestic abuse overlaps with sexual harm or misconduct, SVLOs can support you to think through reporting options. They can help you make a report to the University or external services if you wish, and they will only act with your consent unless there is a serious safeguarding risk.

Specialist Services

Local Surrey domestic abuse services:

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There are two ways you can tell us what happened

Report with contact details or Report anonymously