If you have experienced sexual assault or sexual violence, it may be hard to know what you feel. Whatever you are feeling is valid. What happened was not your fault, and what you choose to do now is your decision.
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 (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.
It might also help to know: sexual assault can happen to anyone — women, men, LGBT+ people, and people with disabilities. It includes any sexual activity without consent, and not all experiences involve physical force.
Consent and trauma responses
Sexual activity without consent is sexual assault. Consent means freely agreeing by choice, with the freedom and capacity to make that choice.
If you didn’t resist or say “no,” that does not mean you consented. Many people experience automatic trauma responses such as the 5 F’s:
- Fight, Flight, Freeze, Flop, or Friend.
These are natural survival responses — they do not mean you agreed to what happened.
You can find more information around consent and responses to harm here.
Talk to someone you trust
- Friends or family can be an important first step for emotional support.
- Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (SVLO) are trained to listen, believe, and support students and staff who have experienced sexual violence or assault. They can explain options and help you access specialist services, even if you’re unsure how to describe your experience.
- Campus Safety can explain how to make a report and connect you with further help.
- University of Surrey Students’ Union (USSU) can talk students through what options are available and support you through the process. This support includes attending any meetings with the University.
- Trade unions are organised groups of workers who come together to support each other in the workplace. The University of Surrey recognises three campus trade unions: Unison, UCU and Unite.
Reporting options
Reporting is your choice. You can:
- Attend a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC): If you have been recently raped or sexually assaulted, you can go to your local SARC. SARCs can offer confidential medical and practical support
If you think you might want to report to the police, you can also have a forensic medical exam. This is where a specially trained doctor or nurse collects evidence from your body and clothes, that might be used in court.
You can go to a SARC without talking to the police. You should also be able to choose whether you get a forensic medical exam or not. SARCs can store evidence while you decide whether to involve the police.
Time limits to be aware of:
- If you suspect you were given any type of drug, it is best to be tested within 24 hours.
- If you would like emergency contraception, the medication should be started within 72 hours.
- If you would like HIV prophylaxis, the medication should be started within 72 hours.
As well as doing forensic medical exams, a SARC should be able to help you with:
- Getting medical help for any injuries
- Pregnancy tests
- STI tests
- Emergency contraception
If you need to visit the SARC, the Students’ Union and University are able to pay the costs of your taxi fare. Students should not have to cover this cost alone. Please email the Centre for Wellbeing with your name and your bank details, then attach proof of your journey such as a receipt or Uber screenshot.
You can find your local SARC here.
- Report to the police: Please see the Surrey Police website for detailed information on reporting a sexual assault. Reporting at a Police station and/or attending a SARC can be a lengthy process, but you will be listened to and supported throughout the process. It might be helpful to bring along a supportive friend or relative.
- Report later: There is no time limit on reporting to the police. Even if forensic evidence isn’t available, your account of what happened is still valid and important.
- Report anonymously: You can use Crimestoppers (0800 555 111) or the University’s Report + Support platform.
- Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (SVLO): 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.
- 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.
Ongoing support
You do not have to report to access support. Options include:
- Specialist Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA) services: ISVAs provide confidential, independent advocacy. They can support you if you are thinking about reporting and whether or not you choose to report to the police.
- Sexual health support: Local NHS clinics can provide testing, treatment, and emergency contraception. The SARC also offers these services.
- Centre for Wellbeing: offers confidential counselling and mental health support for students.
- BHSF RISE Employee Assistance Programme – free 24/7 mental health, legal, and financial advice for staff.
External support
- Rape Crisis England & Wales: helpline and webchat support.
- SurvivorsUK: specialist support for men and non-binary people who have experienced sexual harassment or abuse.
- Galop: National LGBT+ abuse helpline and specialist support.
- Respond: support for people with learning disabilities and autism who have experienced abuse.
- SignHealth: support for deaf survivors of abuse.