Sexual Violence and Abuse Support
Sexual violence is the general term used to describe any kind of unwanted sexual act or activity, including rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse, and many others.
Tackling violence in all its forms is one of our core and continued priorities. We have been working with the University with a focus on ensuring that the foundations are in place to ensure that students experiencing violence, in all of its forms are supported – a specific focus during this period has been to ensure the availability of support for anyone impacted by sexual violence and/or misconduct here within our community.
We’re keen to make you aware of three important services/interventions that we want all staff and students to be aware of.
1. Sexual Violence and Misconduct Support Service – In recognising the need for visible, accessible and specialist services, Aberystwyth University has created a new team of trained staff, called Sexual Violence Liaison officers (SVLOs). Several members of staff working across Student Services and ResLife have been trained to provide support to students who experience sexual violence and/or misconduct, whether that is recent or historic. They will provide wrap around care and support, provide information and support a student if they are engaged in University or Police processes, discuss possible adjustments to their learning and student experience and liaise with and refer to appropriate support services, for instance our local Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). See Sexual Violence and Misconduct : Student Services , Aberystwyth University
We want members of the Aber community to feel confident in responding to someone who has come forward and who is seeking help and support. As such the University is continuing to provide First Responder Training for staff.
2. Report and Support – we want to ensure that all students can make the University aware when something has happened to them or someone else, on-campus or off, recent or historic and all anonymously if they so wish. The new Report and Support system, replaced the previous Dignity and Respect Web Form. It is one way in which students (and their supporters – i.e., you) can make the University aware of an issue. The report will then be shared with the most appropriate member of staff or service in confidence in order that they can contact the student and offer support. There is also lots of useful information about bullying, harassment and violence on the site. We’ll be updating you as this excellent resource is developed further; see Report + Support - Aberystwyth University
3. Sexual Consent – this year we have worked in close partnership with our colleagues in Aberystwyth University to introduce a Consent resource. This is something that our student community pushed for prior to the pandemic and which we support. Brook, the Sexual Health charity developed the resource which is being used in a number of universities. We will be encouraging students to access the resource, which is embedded within their Blackboard site, titled ‘Consent is Everything’.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence or abuse, it’s important you are aware of the Support Services which are available to you; these include:
- Aberystwyth University Sexual Violence and Misconduct - Prevention and Support (https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/studentservices/sexual-violence/) - information about options for survivors, and guidance for those supporting a friend who is a survivor.
- Aberystwyth University Harassment and Misconduct - Prevention and Support (https://aber.ac.uk/en/studentservices/sexual-misconduct/) information about options for survivors, and guidance for those supporting a friend who is a survivor.
- Report + Support (https://reportandsupport.aber.ac.uk/) – this form allows you to inform the University of what has happened so that they are able to provide any support needed.
- Live Fear Free Helpline (https://gov.wales/live-fear-free) – a national helpline supporting those who affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence and/or violence against women. It’s free and operates 24/7 on 0808 80 10 800.
- Mid Wales Rape Support Centre (RSC) (www.midwalesrsc.org.uk) – a free and confidential service providing those affected by rape or sexual abuse with specialist counselling and advocacy support.
- Bawso (www.bawso.org.uk) – a voluntary organisation providing specialist services in Wales to black and minority ethnic women and children made homeless through domestic abuse, including topics such as forced marriage, FGM and ‘honour-based’ abuse.
- West Wales Domestic Abuse Service (www.westwalesdas.org.uk) – a free and confidential support service for anybody suffering or experiencing domestic abuse.
- Dyn Wales (www.dynwales.org) – a free and confidential helpline which support men who experience domestic abuse in Wales.
What can the Undeb Aber Advice Service do to help?
The Undeb Aber Advice Service is independent from the University and provides a free, confidential, and impartial service to all Aberystwyth University students.
The Advice Service can assist you in a range of ways, including:
- Providing impartial advice for your circumstances.
- Signposting on how to access local sexual health services.
- Accompany you where appropriate to any meetings to provide support and representation.
- Review any draft statements that you prepare and offer suggestions.
- Help you to collate appropriate evidence to support your case.
Contact an Advisor
Useful links
First Produced: November 2022
Reviewed: April 2024