Sexual violence

Sexual violence and sexual harassment

Sexual violence is any sexual activity or behaviour that takes place without your consent or that feels unwanted. It can take many forms, including - but not limited to:

Sexual violence can affect anyone, regardless of gender, sexuality, age, or background.

If you’re unsure, you can still reach out

You don’t need to label your experience or have the “right” words to ask for support. If something happened that made you feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or violated, you deserve to be heard and supported.

Speak out and support

You can share what happened in whichever of these two ways feels most comfortable for you.

To arrange an appointment with one of our advisers, please complete our online form. You may choose how much information you wish to share, and accessing support does not require making a formal report. Alternatively, you can choose to report anonymously.

Complete form

Report anonymously

If you are having difficulty completing the form, please email studentcases@ucb.ac.uk.

Consent and responsibility

You always have the right to say no to any sexual contact, behaviour, or attention you don’t want at any time, for any reason.

If someone pressures, coerces, manipulates, or forces you into something sexual against your will, that is sexual violence. It is never your fault. The responsibility always lies with the person who chose to cause harm.

What you need to know

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is a form of sexual violence. It refers to any unwanted sexual behaviour that causes someone to feel upset, unsafe, humiliated, intimidated, or degraded, or is intended to have that effect.

It can happen once or repeatedly, and may not always be immediately obvious, either to the person experiencing it or the person causing harm. Just because the impact isn’t immediate or visible doesn’t make it any less serious or valid.

How sexual harassment can happen?

Sexual harassment can occur in person, online, over the phone, or through written communication. It can take many forms, including (but not limited to):

  • Catcalling, leering, or wolf-whistling
  • Sexual jokes or comments
  • Unwanted physical contact
  • Stalking or persistently following someone
  • Inappropriate or intrusive questions about someone’s body, clothing, sexuality, or sex life
  • Unwelcome sexual invitations, messages, or gifts
  • Sending or displaying sexual images without consent
  • Image-based abuse, such as revenge porn or upskirting
  • Sexual messages sent via text, email, or social media

Remember: Sexual harassment is never your fault, and you have the right to set boundaries and seek support.

Are you in immediate danger?

If you're in immediate danger or seriously injured, call 999 immediately. Try to move somewhere safe.

If you're on campus, contact UCB Security (24/7) by calling 07889045265 or go to the nearest UCB building and ask someone to phone Security for you.

If you’re on campus and at risk, you can contact Safeguarding by emailing safeguarding@ucb.ac.uk for support.

Need urgent help after a recent incident?

If an incident has just happened, you can contact your nearest Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). For UCB students, the closest is Horizon SARC, which offers free and confidential support, whether or not you want to report to the police.

Services include:

  • Forensic Medical Examinations, carried out by trained professionals (with your consent)
  • Access to a Crisis Worker, who can listen, explain your options, and help coordinate support (including police, counselling, or ISVA services)

Self-refer anytime by calling: 0330 223 0099

Learn more by watching the NHS video: "Turn to us, we are here"

To find another SARC near you, visit the NHS website.

Please avoid using self-swabbing kits advertised online. Forensic evidence should only be collected by trained professionals.

The Law on Sexual Harassment

Under the Equality Act 2010, sexual harassment and harassment related to protected characteristics (such as sex, gender, race, or disability) are unlawful. This protection extends to:

  • Employees and workers
  • Job applicants
  • Contractors and freelancers hired to do work

To learn more, visit:

Reporting to the police

If you do not feel it is an emergency, you can still report the incident by:

They have specially trained officers who can support you through the process. Here is information about reporting incidents.

Support at University College Birmingham

We understand that sharing your experience can be difficult. You're not alone - we’re here to support you and help you make informed decisions about what happens next.

Speak to a UCB Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Adviser

If you’ve experienced sexual violence, harassment, or any other form of misconduct, you can report the incident via our reporting system and request to speak with a trained specialist adviser. They can support you emotionally and practically, including helping you access academic adjustments, signposting therapeutic options, and explaining reporting procedures. You do not have to make a formal report to access support.

If a member of staff is supporting you, they can also submit the form on your behalf with your consent.

Making a Formal Complaint to UCB

If you wish to make a formal complaint about another student, please follow UCB’s student sexual harassment and misconduct procedure, which can be found here. 

If you are unsure where to start or need support at any stage, a UCB sexual harassment and misconduct adviser can guide you through the process.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Support

At University College Birmingham, your mental health matters. We offer a range of support services to help you feel safe, supported, and heard.

Our Mental Health and Wellbeing Team includes qualified counsellors and advisers who can offer up to six one-to-one support sessions per term. This includes help with emotional wellbeing, mental health concerns, and coping strategies for challenges that may affect your studies or personal life.

To access this service, you can self-refer via the student portal.

24/7 Support: Student Assistance Programme

In addition to in-house support, students also have access to the Student Assistance Programme, a confidential 24/7 helpline offering:

  • Emotional support
  • Counselling
  • Legal and financial advice
  • Practical guidance for everyday challenges
  • This service is available day or night, 365 days a year.

Wisdom App

The Wisdom App gives you access to a wide range of mental health and wellbeing resources, including self-help tools, guided meditations, and wellbeing articles - all at your fingertips.

Please find the app downloadable from your app marketplace. Find out more.

Safeguarding

If you or someone else is vulnerable or at risk of harm, please contact our Safeguarding Team by emailing: safeguarding@ucb.ac.uk

You can find the contact details of our safeguarding team here.

External support services

These local and national organisations offer additional specialist support:

Horizon SARC - 0330 223 0099

RSVP (Rape & Sexual Violence Project) - counselling and ISVA support

GINA - immediate, specialist-paid counselling & student support hub

The Survivors Trust - resources and support for survivors

Victim Support - 0808 168 9111

Women’s Aid - support for people subjected to domestic abuse

Black Country Women’s Aid & Birmingham Women’s Aid - trauma support and advocacy

Umbrella Sexual Health - 0121 237 5700 (self-refer)

Birmingham LGBT - support including ISVA and wellbeing services

GALOP - support for LGBT+ survivors of violence or abuse

SurvivorsUK - counselling and online support for male survivors

Safeline - male helpline and online support

Kooth - anonymous online counselling for young people

The Waiting Room - local wellbeing service directory for Birmingham & Solihull

Supporting someone who has been subjected to sexual violence

It can be difficult to know how to help someone who has experienced sexual violence. It may be a frightening and confusing time for them and for you. Your support can make a real difference, and it’s important they know that help is available both through UCB and external organisations.

If you’re concerned about another student

If you're worried about a fellow student and would like to speak with someone, please email studentcases@ucb.ac.uk. A member of the team can offer guidance on the next steps and how best to support the individual. Please ensure you have their consent before sharing any personal information about them or their experience.

If the incident has just happened

If the person is in immediate danger or seriously injured, call 999 right away. Encourage them to get to a place where they feel safe. If you’re on campus, you can contact UCB Security (available 24/7) by calling 07889045265 or go to the nearest UCB building and ask a staff member to phone Security for you.

You can also suggest that they contact a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), such as Horizon SARC, which provides free, confidential medical care and emotional support - even if they don’t wish to involve the police.

Ways you can offer support

If someone confides in you about experiencing sexual violence, here are meaningful ways you can be there for them:

  • Listen and believe them - Offer your full attention, remain calm, and show that you trust and support what they’re sharing. Your belief can make a big difference.
  • Avoid blaming - Survivors often struggle with feelings of guilt or shame. Gently remind them that they are not to blame for what happened.
  • Support without taking control - Instead of giving advice or solutions, be there to help them consider their options. Let them decide what feels right for them.
  • Be patient - They may not be ready to talk immediately. Give them time and space, and avoid pushing them to share more than they’re comfortable with.
  • Respect their choices - Whether they choose to report, seek therapy, or take time to reflect, support their decisions without judgment.
  • Look after yourself too - Being a source of support can be emotionally intense. Don’t forget to care for your own mental and emotional health, and seek help if needed.

Useful resources for supporters

Rape and Sexual Violence Project (RSVP) - Supporting a Victim-Survivor

Rape Crisis England & Wales - Supporting a Victim-Survivor

Rape Crisis Scitland - Supporting someone who has experienced sexual violence

The SARSAS guide to supporting the person you care about

Survivors’ Network - Supporting Survivors of Sexual Assault

GINA Online - Support Hub for Supporters

Caring for yourself after sexual violence

Whether it happened recently or long ago, your wellbeing matters. You deserve compassion - from others, and from yourself.

You are not to blame.
It’s natural to wrestle with guilt or wonder what you could have done differently, but the truth is: it wasn’t your fault. The responsibility lies solely with the person who caused harm.

There’s no “right” way to feel.
Everyone processes trauma differently. Some days may feel harder than others, and that’s okay. Give yourself permission to feel whatever comes up, without judgment.

Take your time.
Healing isn’t linear, and there’s no deadline. You may feel pressure to "move on," but your journey is your own. Be kind to yourself and allow space for your emotions.

Reach out when you’re ready.
Connecting with someone you trust, a friend, family member, or professional, can be healing. If talking feels too hard, try writing, creating art, or expressing yourself in other ways.

Accept support.
What happened might affect your relationships, your studies, or your sense of self. You don’t have to carry it all alone. Let others help when they offer, and know it’s okay to lean on them.

You are not alone.
Feeling isolated is common, but there are people who care and want to support you. Help is available, and you don’t have to go through this by yourself.

Care for your body.
Even small acts like eating, resting, or taking a walk can help restore a sense of balance. Physical and emotional health are deeply connected - be gentle with both.

Find comfort in the small things.
Whether it's listening to music, watching a favorite show, or just taking a quiet moment - doing things that soothe you can be grounding and healing.

When you’re ready, support is here.
You don’t have to go through this alone. There are lots of places you can turn to when you feel ready - no pressure, no judgement.

Self-help and specialist support resources

Victim Focus - Free online course on self-care after sexual violence

RSVP Birmingham - Written self-help and survivor support

Rape Crisis Scotland - Supporting Male Survivors of Sexual Violence

SARSAS self-help guides

Galop - Support for LGBT+ people who have experienced sexual violence

LGBT Foundation - Mental health and wellbeing support

Survivors Network - Self-help guide for survivors

Whenever you’re ready - whether it's days, months, or years later - UCB is here to support you.

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