Nobody should have to experience sexual violence of any kind and we understand that reaching out for support after experiencing sexual trauma can feel difficult. Whether it happened recently or in the past, you are not alone, and support is available.
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.
The Students' Union at UWE and UWE Bristol work with local organisations and UWE's Anti-Sexual Violence Service to inform our work on sexual violence. We are also part of the city wide 'We're Here' campaign that aims to ensure survivors know where to find expert care and support.
Support options for survivors of sexual violence
UWE's Anti-Sexual Violence Service
The Anti-Sexual Violence Service at UWE Bristol is here to offer you a safe, inclusive, non-judgemental, and confidential space to seek support—no matter what you’ve experienced. This service is open to all students who need it, and you can access it even if you don’t want to report anything formally.
It’s an appointment-based service available on every campus. You can access the service face-to-face, or speak to someone over the phone or via video call.
To access the service, you’ll need to self-refer online. Once you do, you’ll be contacted within five working days to arrange an initial meeting. If you need help with the self-referral process, UWE staff or other professionals can guide you through it.
For more information on the service and self-referals please click here.
You can also watch our video to find out more about the support the service offers: Meet MJ UWE's Anti-Sexual Violence Advisor
Support available - Survivor Pathway
The Bridge
The Bridge is a SARC (Sexual Assualt Referral Centre) and provides expert, trauma-informed care following sexual assault. Whether or not you choose to involve the police, The Bridge offers medical care, forensic examinations, emotional support, and referrals to other services. You can get help from a SARC without having to talk to the police or report what happened to you – your consent is everything, at every stage.
You can access their service on their website.
If you do not feel able to speak to the police about what has happened to you, it is possible to give them information anonymously if this is what you want to do. A member of The Bridge's specialist team will support you to create a statement and they can give that information to the police without providing them with any of your personal details.
SARSAS
SARSAS is a local orgnaisation that provides support to survivors of sexual violence through helplines, counselling, group work and self-help guides. Visit their 'support services' page to learn more.
SARSAS provide this guide to help with understanding and processing your thoughts, feelings and emotions around rape and sexual abuse.
They also have this guide for friends and family members and provides information on the impact of sexual violence, how to support someone and look after yourself.
Survivor Pathway
The Survivor Pathway is an online resource for anyone wanting to know more about sexual violence support services in the South West.
They have useful information on SARC's (Sexual Assualt Referral Centres), reporting options and processes and advice on the use of self-swab kits.
Galop
Galop provides advocacy and casework support for LGBT+ people who have experience abuse and violence. Advocates and caseworkers work with clients, based on what each individual person needs. They are a service run by LGBT+ people, for LGBT+ people.
They also have a helpline which offers emotional support, guidance and help to explore what options may be available to anyone aged 18+ who is experiencing or has experienced violence and abuse.
Reporting Sexual Violence
It is entirely the survivors choice as to whether they report an incident or not. Remember, you do not have to report to recieve support and nobody should make that decision for you.
Reporting to the police
Reporting sexual violence to the police can feel overwhelming. Remember that SARC's can support you to do this if you want help to report and that making a report is not the same as agreeing to a full investigation, or being required to attend court, the police will always discuss what you would like to happen.
You can report sexual violence to Avon and Somerset police by
It can take a long time to be ready to talk to someone about what happened. Even if the rape, sexual assault or abuse happened a long time ago you can still report it, and the police may still be able to investigate.
You can read more information on reporting to the police and what to expect from the process here.
Reporting anonymously
If you don't want to press charges but would like to anonymously report an act of sexual violence you can report to the police via this online form. The police will record the incident and assess for any safeguarding risks to protect other people.
They will be unable to contact you after checks have been made on the suspect and the circumstances of the allegation. Your report will be filed.
The Bridge and other SARC's can help you with anonymous reporting.
Reporting to the University
If you are a student at UWE or supporting a friend who is a victim of sexual violence you can report via Report + Support.
You can choose to report anonymously or with your contact information.
If you report with contact details, an adviser will contact you to explain your options for reporting further and accessing support.
If you report anonymously, your report will be logged but no further action will be taken. It is important to understand that if you choose this option, the team will not be able to contact you to offer you advice or support.
UWE's Anti-Sexual Violence Service can help you to report to the University and support you through this process. They'll explain the University’s policies and procedures relating to sexual misconduct and give you information about your rights if you’re considering reporting internally.
Reporting to The Students' Union at UWE
Sexual violence of any kind goes against The Students' Union's code of conduct. If you would like to make a complaint about a member of The Students' Union you can do so via our complaints form.
We will investigate your feedback or complaint, let you know the outcome and do everything we can to put things right.
If the complaint is by a member of the Union about another Union member it will be dealt with under Bye Law 7. All other matters will be dealt under our General Complaints Procedure.
If a student has utilised UWE's Report + Support tool and the report involves a member of The Students' Union the case-work team will include The Students' Union in their investigations.