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Sexual violence support

Find out what sexual violence support is available from our student support team and get help and advice from external organisations.

NTU does not tolerate any forms of sexual violence. All students deserve the opportunity to study, learn, and live in an environment free of all forms of sexual abuse. If you, or someone you know, has experienced any form of sexual violence, now or in the past, please get in touch. We have dedicated, trained Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (SVLOs). They can support you at your own pace.

We define sexual violence as any sexual act occurring without the consent of all parties. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • sexual assault
  • rape
  • sexual harassment
  • stalking
  • the sharing of sexual images without consent.

Internal support services

Student Support Services Sexual Violence Support

We have a team of trained Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (SVLOs). They offer support to students who have experienced any form of sexual violence.

Our support is confidential, respectful, and non-judgemental. You do not need to disclose anything to the team that you are not comfortable doing so. We will respect your wishes and needs.

Our support for you consists of:

  • offering you a single point of contact within the University to support you on what you may need
  • sharing information about specialist support within the university and in the community
  • Sharing information about what reporting to the police or the university can look like
  • Working with your course team in cases where
    • there are impacts on your studies, or
    • you may need adjustments or time out
  • advising you about the Notification of Extenuating Circumstances process
  • offering a point of contact during the period of any police investigation.

To self-refer for sexual violence support, report with contact details through Report + Support.

To refer another person for sexual violence support, fill out our support and wellbeing referral form.

NTSU Information & Advice Service

The Information & Advice Service (IAS) provides an advice, information and representation service. It's free and confidential, and available all students at Nottingham Trent University. The IAS is an AQS-accredited advice service provider.

Visit the NTSU website for more information.

Survivors Support Network

The Survivors Support Network (SSN) is a student group, created and run by NTU students. The network founder writes: ‘We are a safe space for self-identifying women who have experienced sexual violence or violence of any kind at NTU. We aim to create a supportive and uplifting environment to empower our community, in a space you know you can be heard and understood in.’

Learn more about the SSN or visit their Instagram page.

External support services

Your Journey — a survivor's guide to support and reporting in Nottingham

NTU is proud to be a member of The Nottingham Consent Coalition. The coalition works within the community to prevent and respond to sexual violence. We've worked with other local services to create an exhaustive guide that details:

  • what external support can look like in Nottingham, and
  • what reporting to the police may look like.

For more information, see the coalition's support information for adults. You can also take a look at the Consent Coalition’s campaigns.

Nottingham Sexual Violence Support Services (Notts SVSS)

Notts SVS Services offer a range of specialist sexual violence support. This includes:

  • a variety of counselling options
  • Independent Sexual Violence Advisors
  • a specialist sexual violence helpline
  • a variety of other therapeutic support.

Visit the SVSS website or call 0115 941 0440.

The Topaz Centre, Nottinghamshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre

The Topaz Centre is a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). It offers free professional and confidential support and practical help. It's available to anyone in Nottinghamshire who has experienced sexual violence and / or sexual abuse. The Topaz Centre has trained specialist workers. They'll will guide you through an assessment of your needs and the options available for you.

Visit the Topaz Centre website or call their 24-hour helpline on 0800 085 9993.

East Midlands Children and Young People's Sexual Assault Service (EMCYPSAS)

EMCYPSAS is the Sexual Assault Referral Centre for anyone who is 17 years old or younger. Visit the EMCYPSAS website or call them on 0800 183 0023.

NTSU Respect and Consent

NTU works closely with Nottingham Trent Students’ Union (NTSU). Together we run campaigns and provide support for students. Find out more about how NTSU is working to support students around sexual health and consent.

Refuge national domestic abuse helpline

Refuge operates a national domestic abuse helpline. It's free, and it's open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Just call 0808 2000 247.

If you are unsure of local services in your area, please email student support services. We'll be able to advise you.

Revenge Porn Helpline

The Revenge Porn Helpline is a specialist service. It supports anyone who's had their nude or sexual images shared without their consent. It doesn't matter why the images are shared — it doesn't just have to be revenge.

It also offers support in instances of:

  • threats to share intimate images, even if they're not shared
  • the non-consensual taking of images e.g. upskirting, downblousing, and secret filming.

The Revenge Porn Helpline can:

  • help remove images
  • offer legal advice and emotional support
  • provide step-by-step guides for removing images. This includes performing reverse image searches and setting up alerts.

You can also call the Revenge Porn Helpline on 0345 6000 459.

Campaigns and workshops

Consent is Everything — mandatory consent workshops

We deliver consent workshops to first year undergraduate students joining our NTU community. Student Support Services and NTSU provide these workshops in partnership. Each workshop lasts 90 minutes.

NTU students requested these workshops. We developed and deliver them in partnership with current and former NTU students. We also present workshops to various student groups throughout the year. These include the Freshers team, society committee members, and sports clubs. If you're part of a group and would like a consent workshop organised, email Consent is Everything.

Learn more about Consent is Everything, including the content and how to get involved.

Bystander intervention workshops: how to intervene in harm

NTSU and Student Support Services deliver these bystander intervention workshops. Each workshop lasts two hours, and complements our consent workshop. They cover how to safely intervene in situations of harm. Such situations include potential sexual violence, microaggressions, and hate crime. The workshop builds skills and confidence around various ways to approach a situation. Email Consent is Everything to:

  • learn more about the workshops
  • request one for your student group.

Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence from Students

We offer workshops on how to respond to disclosures of sexual violence from students. These workshops are for NTU colleagues. They cover how to handle such disclosures appropriately, respectfully and sensitively.

These workshops cover:

  • an overview of sexual violence and its impact on students
  • the barriers to disclosing and reporting
  • signposting to appropriate services
  • responding sensitively to students.

There are two distinct workshops.

  • Tier One: This is a 20-minute online workshop. You'll find it on our Thrive at NTU platform, in the essential learning category. This training is essential for all NTU colleagues.
  • Tier Two: This is a 60-minute workshop. It's delivered on Microsoft Teams by our Sexual Violence Liaison Officers. We recommend this training for all student-facing colleagues.
  • Last updated: 05/10/2023