* Content note: this page contains information on sexual violence, sexual harassment and gender-based violence.
We believe everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and supported, both on and off campus. If you’ve experienced sexual violence, harassment or any form of unwanted behaviour, please know that it’s not your fault, and you’re not alone.
That’s why the Students’ Union has a dedicated Prevention and Intervention Team with trained Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (SVLOs) who specialise in sexual violence, harassment, and gender-based abuse.
Our team is here to provide a safe, confidential space where you can talk, be heard and find out what support is available - at your own pace and on your own terms.
Our service is open to all current UCL students who have experienced any form of sexual violence, sexual harassment or gender-based violence. You deserve support, and our team is here to provide it whenever you’re ready.
If you’re looking for local or specialist support, feeling unsure about what might happen if you reach out, or simply want someone to talk to - we’re here for you. Our Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (SVLOs) will listen, believe you and help you explore your options safely and at your own pace.
Remember, you don’t need to have all the answers, need to be able to name what happened, or decide what to do next before contacting us.
What is sexual violence?
Sexual violence is a term used to describe any kind of sexual activity that takes place without consent.
There are lots of different types of sexual violence. Some examples include:
- rape
- sexual assault
- sexual harassment
- child sexual abuse
- unwanted sexual comments or behaviour
- sexual exploitation or trafficking
- indecent exposure or ‘flashing’
- stalking
Sexual violence can involve pressure, manipulation, threats or force. It can also happen when someone feels unable to say no, or isn’t in a position to give full, informed consent.
Sexual violence can affect anyone - no matter your age, gender, sexuality, background, culture, religion or disability. It can happen in relationships, friendships, at university or in public spaces.
If you have experienced any form of sexual violence, please know that you are not to blame. No one ever deserves to be harmed. The responsibility always lies with the person or people who have caused the harm.
You deserve support, safety and care - whenever you’re ready.
What is gender-based violence?
Gender-based violence is a term that refers to any harmful act that is directed at someone because of their gender. It includes behaviours or threats that cause physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or financial harm.
Gender-based violence disproportionately affects women and girls and is most often, but not exclusively, carried out by men. It is rooted in systemic inequality and power imbalances between genders.
Some examples of gender-based violence include:
- rape or other sexual crimes
- domestic violence
- stalking
- female genital mutilation
- forced marriage
- so-called ‘honour’ crimes
- sexual harassment
We understand that this topic can be difficult to read about or talk about. If anything here feels upsetting or brings something up for you, please know that you're not alone. We're here to listen and support you whenever you're ready.
What happens when you reach out to us?
When you reach out us, we'll:
- Listen to you in a safe, non-judgmental space.
- Talk through what you might want to do next - if anything.
- Help you understand UCL’s reporting processes, only if you want to.
- Support you with practical matters like study, housing, or wellbeing.
- Connect you to specialist services (with your consent).
You are in control at every stage. We’ll never pressure you to take a particular path or make a report. Our role is to empower you with information and choice, and to stand beside you as you decide what feels right.
We are a confidential, consent-based service and we'll only share your information with your consent unless we believe there is exceptional risk to the safety of yourself or others.
If you would like to read more about our confidentiality policy, you can download our SVLO Confidentiality Agreement.
Meet our team
Georgia (SVLO)
Hello, I’m Georgia and I’m an SVLO in the Students’ Union.
I’m passionate about supporting survivors of sexual violence and creating a space where all students feel heard, empowered and respected.
I believe that each survivor is the expert in their own life, and I will always support you in the way that works best for you - at your own pace, and without pressure or judgement.
Natasha (SVLO)
Hi, I’m Natasha, an SVLO in the Advice Service.
I am committed to creating a safe, respectful, and empowering space where all students and survivors of either sexual violence, harassment or gendered based violence feel listened to and believed. I will be guided by you, as your autonomy, choices, and wellbeing are central to everything I do.
Niamh (Prevention and Intervention Programme Manager)
I'm Niamh, the Prevention and Intervention Programme Manager. We are a team of dedicated people, who want to ensure that UCL students who have experienced sexual and/or gender based violence feel listened to and supported. Whilst we hope you never have to contact us, we are here should you need.
Contact us
We know that speaking up about sexual violence or harassment can feel overwhelming, but reaching out can be an important first step toward getting the support you need.
Once you’ve reached out, one of our SVLOs will respond within three working days to arrange a time to talk in whatever way feels most comfortable for you. We aim to make our service as accessible as possible and can be flexible about where and how we meet with you. If you have any accessibility needs or specific requirements you would like to discuss, please get in touch at [email protected].
If you’re not ready to fill out the form yet, that’s okay. You can still read more about what to expect or email us at [email protected] to ask questions or check in.
Remember, you don’t have to face this alone. Whenever you’re ready, we’re here to listen, believe and support you.
UCL support
If you’ve experienced sexual violence, harassment or abuse, you’re not alone and support is available whenever you feel ready to reach out.
Alongside the help we can offer in the Students’ Union, UCL has a range of services that can also support you.
- Specialist Advice & Casework Team
UCL's Specialist Advice & Casework Team offers support to students who have experienced sexual violence. They provide confidential, non-judgemental advice around disclosing your experience, navigating university processes, liaising with external services and understanding the criminal justice system.
You can book an appointment through askUCL to access support from their team.- Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs)
UCL’s ISVAs are based in the Casework Team and can offer emotional and practical support, information and guidance, whether or not you choose to report what’s happened to UCL.
To arrange a confidential appointment, you can email [email protected].- Counselling Services
UCL's Counselling Services offer up to six sessions of free counselling for students looking for therapeutic and emotional support. Appointments are confidential and available to all students.
- Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Team
An adviser from UCL's Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Team can offer advice and support if you are thinking about or wishing to report a sexual assault to the Police.
You can arrange an appointment by emailing [email protected].- Student Support and Wellbeing Services
UCL’s Student Support and Wellbeing Services have expert wellbeing, disability and mental health advisers that can provide a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space if you would like to receive some support after experiencing sexual violence, harassment or abuse.
If you would like to speak to someone about the support options available to you, you can call UCL’s Student Support and Wellbeing Services Phone Line on +44 (0)20 3108 8836 during office hours. You can also log an enquiry through askUCL to access their services.- 24/7 Student Support Line
UCL's 24/7 Student Support Line can provide emotional support and short-term counselling outside of office hours. The support line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is free and confidential.
External support
In an emergency
If you or someone else is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical care, there are people who can help right away.
- 999
You can call 999 for police, ambulance or other emergency services.
If you're unable to speak, you can press 55 when prompted during a 999 call. This will alert the operator that you need help but cannot speak safely.- On Campus
If you are on campus, you can call UCL’s Security team on +44 (0)20 7679 2222.
If you have the SafeZone app, you can press the blue button to alert UCL’s Security team. Your location and details can be quickly shared with Security, who will be able to respond and get you the help that you need.
Other support services
There are many specialist services outside the Students’ Union that can help. Whether something happened recently or in the past, these services are here to listen, support you and help you explore your options.
- The Havens
The Havens are an NHS service of specialist centres in London for people who have been raped or sexually assaulted. The Havens operate a 24/7 service for forensic medical examinations, immediate medical care and advice. Their specially trained, experienced professionals can also provide counselling and practical and emotional support.
Website: https://thehavens.org.uk/
Contact: 020 3299 6900- Rape Crisis
Rape Crisis supports people who have experienced any form of sexual violence or harassment.
They run a 24/7 telephone and webchat support line for anyone aged 16+ in England and Wales who has been affected by rape, child sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment or any other form of sexual violence – at any point in their life.
There are also many local Rape Crisis centres that offer emotional support, counselling and advocacy.
Website: https://rapecrisis.org.uk/
Support line: 0808 500 2222
Search for your local Rape Crisis centre: https://rapecrisis.org.uk/find-a-centre/- SurvivorsUK
SurvivorsUK support male and non-binary victims and survivors of sexual violence. They provide a webchat helpline, counselling, practical help and advocacy.
Website: https://www.survivorsuk.org/- Galop
Galop provides confidential and independent advice and support for LGBTQIA+ people who have experienced sexual assault, abuse or violence. They provide a welcome, inclusive and safe space to talk, whatever your sexual orientation or gender identity.
Website: https://www.galop.org.uk/
Helpline: 0800 999 5428- Refuge
Refuge supports women who are experiencing domestic abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse - whether it’s from a partner, ex-partner, or family member.
They offer a free 24-hour helpline, emotional support, safety planning and help with emergency housing.
Website: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
Helpline: 0808 2000 247- Respect
Respect supports men who are experiencing domestic abuse. They run a free, confidential helpline which offers advice, emotional support and referrals to services that can help keep you safe.
Website: https://mensadviceline.org.uk/
Helpline: 0808 8010327- Suzy Lamplugh Trust
The Suzy Lamplugh Trust runs the National Stalking helpline for people in need of support and advice about stalking. They also have a ‘Am I Being Stalked?’ online tool to assist with information on local services and methods of reporting.
Website: https://www.suzylamplugh.org/
Helpline: 0808 802 0300
- Spiking
Spiking is when someone puts alcohol or drugs into another person's drink or body without their knowledge and consent – in many cases, to make it easier to rape or sexually assault them.
Being spiked can be really a frightening and confusing experience, especially if you’re unsure what has happened. If you think you may have been spiked, please know that it is not your fault and support is available when you are ready.
Spiking can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, age or setting. It’s never caused by anything you did or didn’t do.
Common signs of spiking include:
- Feeling unusually intoxicated or disorientated, especially if you’ve had little or no alcohol
- Confusion or memory loss
- Difficulty speaking or moving
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sudden drowsiness, unconsciousness or ‘coming to’ and not knowing what’s happened
As some spiking substances can cause unconsciousness and memory loss, you might not be sure whether you were assaulted. If you suspect that you’ve been sexually assaulted, our SVLOs are here to offer confidential advice and support.
You can also seek help from your local sexual health clinic, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre or the police if you decide to make a formal report.- Sexual Health
Looking after your sexual health is important, especially after an experience that may have left you feeling unsure, overwhelmed or in need of support.
If you are thinking about getting checked, there are many free and confidential sexual health services available. These services can offer support with things like screenings for sexually transmittable infections (STIs), emergency contraception and pregnancy tests.
The Havens
The Havens are specialist centres in London that offer care and support to people who have experienced rape or sexual assault. They can provide immediate medical aftercare, such as emergency contraception or a pregnancy test, depending on your needs.
My Body Back Project
My Body Back Project offers cervical screening, contraceptive care, STI testing and maternity care for people who’ve experienced sexual violence. Their London clinic is in Mile End Hospital and is free to attend.
Brook Euston
Brook offers free and confidential sexual health and wellbeing support. Their nearest clinic to UCL is located just around the corner from Euston station, and offers contraception, emergency contraception, STI screenings, pregnancy testing and more.
Pulse Sexual Health Clinic
Pulse Sexual Health Clinic offers emergency contraception, pregnancy testing, STI screenings and information and advice on all aspects of sexual health to anyone aged 13-20.
56 Dean Street
56 Dean Street is an expert sexual health clinic in London which focuses on the needs of the LGBTQI+ community. They offer STI screenings, HIV testing and care, and a range of sexual health services specifically for the trans and non-binary community.
NHS
If you live outside of Camden and Islington, you can search for your nearest sexual health clinic on the NHS website. There are lots of sexual health clinics located throughout London, offering services including free contraception, STI testing and treatment, pregnancy testing and general sexual health advice and information.
Our SVLOs can also help you understand your options and support you in accessing sexual health services, if and when you’re ready.- Our Prevention Work
As part of our commitment to fostering a safe and respectful campus environment, we facilitate an Active Bystander Programme for all UCL students.
This programme empowers students to recognise and challenge unacceptable behaviours such as sexual misconduct, as well as bullying, harassment and discrimination. By learning the practical tools to safely intervene when witnessing or experiencing these behaviours, students can help to create a safer and more inclusive culture on campus, and beyond.
The Active Bystander Programme is supported by a dedicated team of two Project Coordinators, Mady and Kate, and an Administrator, Ev, who work together to ensure its smooth delivery and continued success.
Whether or not you’ve been directly impacted by sexual violence, taking part in the Active Bystander Programme is a valuable way to support your peers, understand your role in building a safer campus and gain confidence to take action when it matters the most. Small actions can have a positive, big impact!
You can find more information about the Active Bystander Programme here.