You do not have to report to the University or the police to access support. Many people find it helpful to talk through what has happened and explore options in their own time.
University support
- Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (SVLO): are trained staff who provide confidential, trauma-informed support. If you would like a safe space to talk through your options, you can contact svlo@surrey.ac.uk or book an appointment with an SVLO here.
- Centre for Wellbeing: offers confidential counselling and mental health support.
- 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.
- Human Resources (HR): guidance and support for staff and managers.
Local support (Surrey)
- Solace Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC): 24/7 specialist medical, forensic, and emotional support. You can attend with or without police involvement. They also have a dedicated service for male survivors.
- Guildford (Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC): A Surrey-based charity offering free, confidential support for survivors aged 13 and over — including counselling, group support, a confidential helpline, and Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs). Available to anyone in Surrey, regardless of whether they’ve reported to the police. Contact: 01483 568 000
- Your GP or local NHS sexual health clinic: can provide emergency contraception, STI testing and treatment, and referrals to other services.
National specialist support
- Rape Crisis England & Wales: free 24/7 helpline and webchat.
- 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 survivors with learning disabilities and autism.
- SignHealth: services for deaf survivors of abuse.
Your choices matter
- You can access support even if you’re unsure how to label what happened.
- You do not need to make a report to be believed or supported.
- Services are confidential and trained to listen without judgement.
Crisis mental health support
Experiencing sexual assault can have a serious impact on your mental health and wellbeing. If you are in crisis, feeling unable to cope, or thinking of harming yourself, support is available right now:
- Centre for Wellbeing (University of Surrey): Our team of counsellors and mental health practitioners can provide confidential support to students. You don’t need a referral from your GP to access this service.
- NHS Mental Health Crisis Line (Surrey & Borders Partnership NHS Trust): Call 0800 915 4644 (24/7). You can call for yourself or on behalf of someone you’re worried about.
- Samaritans: Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) to talk to someone confidentially about how you’re feeling.
- Papyrus HOPELINEUK: For anyone under 35 experiencing suicidal thoughts, or anyone supporting them. Call 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039967.
- Your GP: Can provide urgent appointments and referrals for mental health support.
- Accident & Emergency (A&E): If you are at immediate risk of harm to yourself, you can go to A&E or call 999 for emergency help.
These crisis services are available to both students and staff. Staff can also access support through the University’s Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health if they wish.