If you think you or someone you know has experienced an incident of sexual misconduct and violence, there is a variety of support options available to students and staff.
Regardless of whether you would like to report an incident of sexual misconduct and violence, we highly recommend contacting a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (The Meadows) where you can access a range of confidential support including advice, counselling, sexual health screening referrals, a forensic medical examination and/or the support of an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA).
Support at Durham University
(Note: Please click on the headings for further information)
You can disclose incidents of sexual misconduct and violence to your College Student Support Office. They will provide you with support and refer to you specialist help as appropriate. They can help you consider your reporting options including reporting to the University to initiate the process within the Sexual Misconduct and Violence Policy.
Counselling & Mental Health Service
If you would like to access counselling for sexual violence or abuse, contact the University Counselling & Mental Health Service which can arrange a referral for you. Contact the team at cmh.service@durham.ac.uk , by calling 0191 334 2200, or by visiting our reception in the Palatine Centre. You will be asked to complete an online registration form; if you do not want to indicate sexual misconduct and violence, you can write ‘Prefer not to say but need to see someone’ on the form.
Nightline is a confidential, non-advisory, non-directive listening service, run by students, for students from 9pm to 7am in term-time. Students are trained in general listening skills; they are not trained in specialist support. They can be contacted at 0191 344 6444.
Independent support is also available to students through the ASK Service at the Students’ Union.
Chaplains are an integral part of the welfare provision and pastoral support that the University offers both to staff and students. Chaplains at Durham are either based in Colleges where their care is for all members of College, or they work across the University where the Chaplain usually represents a particular denomination or faith community (though they are still available to everyone).
External Support
Sexual Assault Referral Centre
Sexual Assault Referral Centres offer advice, support, counselling, sexual health screening referrals, confidential forensic medical examination and the support of an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA). You can approach them in confidence, whether or not you wish to make a formal report to the Police or University. They can collect and store forensic evidence and support you if you later choose to report the incident to the Police. It is also possible to pass on anonymous information about the sexual assault, which may help agencies identify offending patterns / behaviour or serial offenders.
- The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre can be contacted on the 24 hour support service at 03333 44 8283.
Rape & Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre
Offers counselling and support to University students and staff who have experienced rape, sexual violence, and/or domestic abuse in County Durham and Darlington. It offers an emotional support helpline service and ongoing face-to-face, online and telephone-based counselling and support. Note: Students and staff of all gender identities can access Rape & Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre counselling on campus through the Counselling & Mental Health Service.
Durham University staff should contact RSACC directly and identify themselves as DU staff. Students should contact the University Counselling & Mental Health Service which can make a referral to RSACC. Contact the service at cmh.service@durham.ac.uk /phone 0191 334 2200 or by visiting our reception in the Palatine Centre.
Rape & Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre Telephone Support Line
The Emotional Support Line provides a telephone service for survivors seeking support.
The Emotional Support Line is open:
- Monday and Tuesday: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
- Wednesday and Thursday: 10.00am – 12pm & 6.30 – 8.30pm
- Friday: 2 – 4pm
- Saturday: 10am – 12pm
Survivors UK (for men)
Survivors UK offers web chat helpline support to men who have experienced sexual violence, and their families and carers. The web chat is open daily from 12pm to 8pm.
They offer confidential advice and support to individuals who have had intimate photos and/or videos distributed off/online. Open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm. They can be contacted at 0345 6000 459.
They offer support to individuals affected by rape or childhood sexual abuse.
National Male Survivor Helpline (for men)
They offer support to men affected by rape or childhood sexual abuse. They can be contacted at 0808 800 5005.
Rape and Sexual Assault Overseas
They provide guidance on what to do if you get sexually assaulted whilst abroad, including how the local Embassy can help.
They offer information, advice and guidance to individuals who are victims of stalking. Open weekdays 9.30am to 4pm and Wednesdays 1pm to 4pm. They can be contacted at 0808 802 0300.
Karma Nirvana National Helpline
They provide support to victims of Forced Marriage and Honour Based Abuse. They can be contacted at 0800 5999 247 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Resources for Self Help
VictimFocus: Caring for yourself after sexual violence
Free E-learning course with unlimited access
Survivors Network: Survivors Self Help Guide
A self help guide for survivors who want to understand and process their own personal reactions to their experience
A list of resources for survivors and supporters including self-help guides, videos, galleries and more.
Need to contact the Police?
If you are in immediate danger or are seriously injured, you can call 999 (or 112 from a mobile). For non-emergency calls, dial 101. To find out more information about how the Durham Constabulary can support you, please click here.