Sexual Violence Support

The SSVA service sits within the Counselling and Wellbeing service, however, if you are accessing SSVA support, you can choose to do so confidentially (see below for the Counselling and Wellbeing confidentiality statement).

You will have the choice of meeting the SSVA:

• Face-to-face at ARU
• Face-to-face at a suitable community venue, such as a local doctor’s surgery, to ensure confidentiality and anonymity
• On MS Teams or via telephone

Support from the SSVA Service

Your SSVA can support you in a range of different ways, and the service will be catered to your needs. SSVAs are able to support you if you choose to report to the police, to ARU or elsewhere. If you are unsure about what steps to take, or just want to explore your options, you can book an informed choices session with an SSVA. Your SSVA will not pressure you to make any decisions but can provide information so that you can make the decision that is right for you.

When you refer to the SSVA service you will be contacted about your referral within five working days.

The SSVA service offers up to six initial support sessions. After this you will be offered ongoing advocacy support for as long as needed, which is different for each survivor. The SSVA service can refer you for counselling if you would like further emotional support.

If you have been subjected to sexual violence and are considering your options around seeking support or reporting what has happened to you, we have created guidance on the various options available to you. If it would be helpful, you can discuss these options with an SSVA.

Guidance for Students Subjected to Sexual Misconduct

Please be aware the ARU Sexual Violence Advocacy Service is temporarily closed, and we cannot currently accept new referrals. However, ARU is still here to support you. For support, please do reach out to: [email protected] and someone will be in contact with you soon.

Please also note that you can also reach out to your local Rape Crisis Centre for support. The local Rape Crisis Centres are:

• Cambridge campus: Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre
• Chelmsford campus: Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse (CARA)
• Peterborough campus: Peterborough Rape Crisis Care Group

Rape Crisis Centres are available nationally. Search for a Rape Crisis Centre.

Confidentiality

Please note, the service uses the Counselling and Wellbeing Service Confidentiality Statement.