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UCL is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our students. We are here to support you in whichever way you need.
Immediate support for students
It can be difficult to know which actions to take following an incident/s, but it is important to know that you have a choice in how to proceed and that support is available to you whatever you choose to do. Please remember that this is not your fault, and you are not alone. You can find more information about the definitions of sexual assault, sexual harassment and misconduct here.
- If you are in any immediate danger and on campus, you can call Security on +44 (0)20 7679 2222, (222 from an internal phone) or use the SafeZone app (press the blue button for Security). This a free-to-download application which enhances personal safety at UCL. In the event of an emergency, location and details can be quickly shared with Security, who will be able to give the right assistance.
- If you are off campus, you can call 999.
- If the incident/s have happened recently, you may want to visit a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). The Havens are London’s SARCs, and there are three across the city. They provide confidential medical and forensic support and treatment (e.g. for STIs/pregnancy) after recent rape or sexual assault; you don’t have to report to the police to access their service. They are open 24/7 and you can make an appointment by calling 020 3299 6900.
- It is completely up to you whether you would like to report an incident to the Police. If you would like to report the incident to the police, read about how you can do this.
We understand how difficult it can be to disclose an incident of sexual violence, and it may take a long time before you are able to seek support. There is no time limit on accessing support, either from UCL or from external services.
Support available from UCL
UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services (SSWS) can direct you to appropriate support both within and outside of UCL.
- If you would like to speak to someone about the support options available to you please call the Student Support and Wellbeing Services Phone Line on +44 (0)20 3108 8836 during office hours.
- You can talk to someone about how you are feeling, by calling the UCL 24/7 Support Line on +44 (0) 808 238 0077 and speaking to an adviser. If you are calling from outside the UK, you should call 00 353 1 518 0277.
- If you would like to access some confidential support from the Disability and Neurodiversity or Mental Health and Wellbeing Team, you can book an appointment via askUCL. You can watch this step-by-step guide to booking an appointment with an adviser. Our advisers have specific training in how to have conversations around sexual misconduct.
- Your adviser will discuss wellbeing support and whether you may need academic adjustments or other help to study and if you would like the incident/s to be investigated by the UCL Casework Team (if it involves another UCL student). This appointment is confidential and is available to all students. You can request that your adviser is male, female or non-binary, and that they speak your preferred language (this may involve a slightly longer waiting time).
- UCL's Counselling Services offer up to six sessions of free therapy, you should register for this via their website
The UCL Casework Team is responsible for the administration and investigation of complaints and non-academic misconduct.
- Your SSWS adviser can discuss with you whether you would like an incident to be investigated by the Casework Team and support you to do so.
- There are Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) who are based in the Casework Team who can provide emotional and practical support, information and guidance to you irrespective of whether you are reporting or considering reporting incidents of Sexual Misconduct to the University. You can email them at casework.isva@ucl.ac.uk to arrange a confidential appointment.
An adviser from UCL's Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Office can offer advice and also support you if you wish to report to the Police.
- You can arrange an appointment by emailing crimeprevention-personalsafety@ucl.ac.uk.
- Your SSWS adviser can help you to meet with them if you wish.
Staff across Student Support and Wellbeing Services, Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Advice and Casework are trained to handle sensitive disclosures, including sexual violence.
More information on Student Support and Wellbeing Services can be found in the Here to Support You Guide.
You can access further support from external organisations specialising in sexual violation.
Support available from Rape Crisis South London
On your request, your SSWS adviser can also arrange for you (if you are aged 16 or over) to meet with a specialist adviser from Rape Crisis South London.
Rape Crisis is an organisation providing specialist, independent, and confidential services for women and girls who have been affected by rape, child sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment or any other kind of sexual violence or abuse – no matter when or where it happened. They can support female staff and students. There is also a 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line - you can call free on 0808 500 2222.
Referrals information
Rape Crisis can usually contact you within one week of referral. Sometimes, in the event of sickness or annual leave, this can be longer. However, in this case, you referrer should receive an automated reply to let you know when staff will be returning.
Appointments and support sessions
An Outreach Worker will see you for three one-to-one 50-minute appointments, although you do not need to use all three if you don't want to. Rape Crisis are generally able to offer you a first session in the 1–2 weeks following initial contact. If the time offer does not suit you, Rape Crisis can agree on a session further in the future.
The appointment will not be counselling, but an opportunity to talk about the impact that the incident has had on you. You can talk about your options and the process of reporting to the police with the adviser if you wish to do so. This appointment is confidential within the Rape Crisis service and no information is shared with UCL.
You can space out your three support sessions however you like. In addition to the three Outreach sessions, you can also access six short-term support sessions with a counsellor. If the person making the referral knows that you would benefit from this, they are welcome to put this in the initial email. However, in the Outreach sessions, Rape Crisis will also explore this with you.
You can also find out about further support provided by Rape Crisis. Engaging with further support or reporting the incident remains your decision, and meeting with the Adviser does not mean you are obliged to take things further if you do not wish to do so.
Gender-based sexual violence and misconduct
Sexual harassment is often based on a person’s gender and is rarely about sexual desire. For example, this applies to all forms of sexual violence and violence against women and girls.
These forms of violence stem from power and control, and disproportionately impact women and people of marginalised gender. It is acknowledged by the UK government to be both a cause and consequence of gender inequality.
If you have been affected by gender-based sexual misconduct or violence, please call the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line on 0808 500 2222 or start a free online chat.
Other external support options
- Survivors UK
Survivors UK provides counselling, therapy and online support for male, trans and non-binary students and those who have identified as male in the past and experience sexual violence or abuse. You can speak to a trained adviser in confidence via SMS text or via individual web chat.
- Mankind
Mankind offers help for men who have suffered from unwanted sexual experience and offers counselling, therapy groups and self-help resources.
- London Survivors Gateway
London Survivors Gateway is open to survivors of any gender who are aged 13 and above and live, work, or study in London. The Gateway connects those who have survived any form of sexual violence at any point in their lives with specialist support services. Their website also includes a detailed list and map of specialist services available to survivors in each of the London boroughs.
- Galop
Galop provides advocacy, advice and emotional support for those who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans, and have been affected by hate crime, sexual violence, domestic abuse, or issues with the police.
- Imkaan
Imkaan is the only UK-based umbrella women’s organisation dedicated to addressing violence against Black and minoritised women and girls. They provide information about specialist by and for Black and minoritised women in London and the UK.
- Refuge
Refuge is a domestic abuse charity with a wealth of information about domestic abuse, spotting the signs, and support services, including 24-hour phone support through the National Domestic Abuse helpline.
- The Revenge Porn Helpline
The Revenge Porn Helpline supports those aged 18 and over in the UK who are experiencing image-based abuse, also known as revenge porn. They can provide confidential advice on reporting to social media platforms or the police, help with the reporting and removal of content, and signposting towards legal advice.
- The Suzy Lamplugh Trust
The Suzy Lamplugh Trust is a personal safety charity and supports people dealing with stalking and harassment. The National Stalking Helpline was set up by the Trust in 2010. It has helped over 65,000 victims since its inception and is the only service of its kind globally.
- The My Body Back Project
The My Body Back Project offers cervical screening, contraceptive care, STI testing and maternity care for survivors of sexual violence.
- Safeline
Safeline is a specialist sexual violence and abuse charity which offers counselling and therapy, independent sexual violence advocates and an online self-guided help programme.
- Respond
Respond provide support for people with learning differences and autism who are affected by abuse and trauma. This can include specialist sexual violence advocacy and psychological support.
- Mosac
Mosac provide information for mothers of children who have been sexually abused.
- NSPCC
NSPCC provides Childline, a 24-hour service which provides counselling, information, and advice to children or young people.
- Rights of Women
Rights of Women is a charity that provides free confidential legal advice and information to women on the law in England and Wales with a specific focus on violence against women and girls.
- Stamp Out Spiking
Spiking is the covert administration of alcohol and drugs into a person's drink or body without their consent. Spiking can be administered through soft drinks, alcohol, drugs, vape liquid and needles.
Stamp Out Spiking offer immediate support to victims and survivors of spiking. They also offer help to report spiking to the police, and provide prevention resources, spiking information and guidance on legislation.
- Rise (Brighton area)
RISE is a feminist, women-led and centred domestic violence and abuse charity that has worked for 30+ years to end all forms of violence and abuse against women, their families and those identifying as LGBT+.
They help people living in Brighton and Hove.
- Respect
Respect advance best practice on work with domestic abuse perpetrators, male victims and young people who use violence and abuse.
- StopSO
StopSO provides specialist therapy across the UK to sex offenders and those who have yet to act on their ‘troubling thoughts’.
They also work with families, helping them come to terms with being related to a sex offender, and Survivors of offending.
The offer therapy and ongoing support. There is a cost to the service, although those on low incomes may be able to receive free therapy.
- Women's Aid
Women’s Aid is a national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children.
How to report harassment and sexual misconduct
- If the incident is happening now or has recently happened you can call 999. If you would like to report the incident to the police, read about how you can do this.
- If the incident/s have happened recently, you may want to visit a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). The Havens are London’s SARCs, and there are three across the city. They provide confidential medical and forensic support and treatment (e.g. for STIs/pregnancy) after recent rape or sexual assault; you don’t have to report to the police to access their service. They are open 24/7 and you can make an appointment by calling 020 3299 6900.
- You can also report via the UCL Report + Support tool; you can report anonymously if you wish. A Student Support and Wellbeing Caseworker will provide support and advise you on how you can take the incident forward.
- UCL's Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Office can support you if you wish to report to the Police.
- There is no time limit on reporting one or multiple incidents, either to UCL or external services.