Support After Sexual Assault or Rape

If you have experienced sexual assault or rape, support is available. Experiencing sexual violence can be extremely traumatic, and everyone responds differently. There is no "right" or "normal" way to react.

Please remember:

  • You are not alone.
  • What happened was not your fault.
  • Support is available whether the incident happened recently or in the past, on or off campus.

Report and Support

You can report what has happened through the University's Report and Support system.

The system is confidential and is only accessible to a small number of trained staff who will respond based on the information you choose to share.

You can:

  • Submit a report with your contact details so that we can offer support and discuss your options.
  • Report anonymously if you do not wish to be identified.

Please note that if you choose to report anonymously, we may not be able to contact or support you directly. However, the information you provide helps us identify patterns, improve support services, and inform prevention work across the University.

Are you safe?

Your immediate safety is the priority.

If you are in immediate danger or require urgent medical assistance:

  • Call 999 immediately.
  • If you wish to report a crime to the police but it is not an emergency, call 101.
  • If you are on campus and need immediate assistance, contact Aberystwyth University Campus Security (24 hours a day, 7 days a week):
    • 01970 622649
    • 07889 596220.

If you can, consider taking the following steps:

  • Go somewhere you feel safe.
  • If you are in shock, try to keep warm.
  • Consider contacting someone you trust for support.

Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)

You may wish to contact a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).

SARCs provide specialist support for anyone who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Their services are available to people of all ages and genders, whether or not you wish to report the incident to the police.

A SARC can provide:

  • A safe and confidential environment.
  • Medical care and support.
  • Forensic examinations and evidence collection.
  • Support with reporting to the police if you choose.
  • Referral to counselling and other specialist services.

You can self-refer to a SARC, meaning you do not need to involve the police or anyone else if you do not wish to.

If you choose to self-refer, any forensic evidence collected can usually be stored while you decide whether you want to report the incident to the police at a later date.

If the assault happened within the last 10 days, it is recommended that you contact a SARC as soon as possible.

For more information, or to self-refer, contact New Pathways:

Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA)

An Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) provides free, confidential emotional and practical support to anyone who has experienced sexual violence, whether recently or in the past.

An ISVA can:

  • Explain your options.
  • Support you through the criminal justice process if you choose to report.
  • Help you access health, counselling and other support services.
  • Provide ongoing practical and emotional support.

You can contact an ISVA directly through New Pathways, or your Sexual Violence Liaison Officer (SVLO) can help you make contact.

Sexual Violence Liaison Officer (SVLO)

The University can arrange for you to meet with a Sexual Violence Liaison Officer (SVLO).

An SVLO provides confidential, specialist support and can:

  • Listen to what has happened.
  • Explain your options.
  • Help you access University and external support services.
  • Liaise with external agencies and relevant University staff where appropriate.
  • Provide ongoing, personalised support throughout your time at University.

Support from an SVLO is available regardless of:

  • when the sexual violence happened;
  • whether it occurred on or off campus; or
  • whether it happened before you came to Aberystwyth University.

Preserving Evidence

If the assault happened recently and you think you may want forensic evidence to be collected, if possible, try to:

  • Do not wash or shower.
  • Do not brush your teeth.
  • Do not eat or drink.
  • Do not smoke or vape.
  • Do not change your clothes.
  • If you do change your clothes, place them in a clean plastic bag and do not wash them.
  • Avoid going to the toilet if possible.
  • Do not clean the area where the incident took place.

Don't worry if you have already done some of these things. It may still be possible to collect forensic evidence, and you should still seek support from a SARC.

Back

There are three ways you can tell us what happened

Tell us anonymously or Report with Contact Details or Report student wellbeing concerns