Sexual Violence

Bristol SU and University of Bristol work closely with local organisations and experts, to inform our work on sexual violence. The University of Bristol also has a dedicated sexual violence liaison officer team which is here to support students.

This is all part of the joint commitment to our students on sexual violence and harassment.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual misconduct within the last 7 days, we strongly encourage you seek support without delay, as there is a timeframe within which evidence can be gathered.

Reporting Sexual Violence

The reasons someone might choose to report, or not report sexual violence, can be complicated. It’s their choice and you should never persuade them to report the incident to the police.

Remember - you don't have to report, to get support!

Reporting to the Police

Reporting an act of sexual violence to the police can be a daunting task for anyone affected.

If you choose to report to the police, with the intention of 'pressing charges' (taking them to court), the officer will first check on your welfare and then ask questions to better understand your situation.

You will also be allocated a dedicated officer who will be a single point of contact throughout the investigation. With your consent, you will be offered a referral to specialist support services, where you can access Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA).

For more information on reporting to the Police, the Ministry of Justice have this guide, which takes you through the process of reporting sexual violence to the police.

Reporting Anonymously

If you do not wish to press charges but want a record of the incident(s), you can report anonymously to the police via this form.

• Anonymous reporting of sexual violence can offer closure and an alternative to court proceedings (especially for historic cases).
• It allows authorities to be aware of the perpetrator, potentially helping any other investigations that are brought forward by other victims.

Reporting to the University

If you are a student or supporting a friend who has been a victim of sexual violence, then you can report via Report + Support.

If you report anonymously, no further action will be taken, and a record is stored without investigation. If you request contact from an advisor, the incident will be followed up by the specialist sexual violence support service (SVLOS).

The Sexual Violence Support Service helps students who have experienced any form of sexual misconduct, regardless of when or where it happened. Access their support service here.

Reporting at Bristol Students' Union

Sexual violence of any kind goes against our code of conduct, you can find out how to make a formal complaint to the Bristol SU here, be that staff or with students.

Our academic advice team are on hand to help you manage any exceptional circumstances related to cases of sexual violence.

Sexual Violence Support Services in Bristol

Sexual violence is a city-wide concern and there are helpful resources out there to help you keep yourself and others safe in the city. There is work being done across Bristol to end sexual violence and tackle the root causes; you can be a part of this positive change.

•  The Bridge

The Bridge is Bristol’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). They offer medical care, emotional and psychological support, and practical help to anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted. You can access thier support on thier webiste. 

The Bridge also has specific guidance on the use of self-swab tests and regaining control after assault.

You can read about the risks of doing this, in a joint position statement on self-swabbing kits.

The Bridge also offers support to friends and family if someone you care about has been affected by rape or serious sexual assault.

Call them for free and confidential advice on 0117 342 6999. They are here to listen 24/7, 365 days a year.

•  SARSAS (Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support)

SARSAS is a local Bristol organisation that provides support for survivors of sexual violence.

To find out how they can help you, please visit their 'I need help' page, to access a range of support. From helplines to self-help resources, they're here to support Bristol sexual violence survivors.

SARSAS also has this guide which can help survivors of rape and sexual abuse during the recovery process.

•  Women's Safety Charter

Launched in 2022, Bristol’s Women’s Safety Charter calls on organisations of all sizes to help make Bristol a fair, inclusive city where everyone feels safe.

Many SU staff and student leaders have taken their free training to help create safer, more inclusive nightlife in Bristol and at society socials. Attending this training also counts toward accreditation #16 and is ideal for Wellbeing Champions and Social Secretaries.

Keep an eye on the Bristol Nights website for upcoming sessions!

Harassment and Hate Crime

A crime becomes a hate crime when it is motivated by hostility or prejudice toward a Experiencing this can have an impact on your wellbeing, safety, and sense of belonging.

If you have been a victim of harassment or hate crime, please contact Bristol Hate Crime Services at the earliest possible opportunity.

Consent Training

If you would like to get involved with campaigning for mandatory consent training at the University of Bristol, you can get in-touch with us.

Intimate image abuse (Revenge Porn)

Intimate image abuse, also known as 'revenge porn' or image-based sexual abuse is a criminal offence. It includes sharing or threatening to share intimate images without consent or taking intimate images without someone's knowledge.

If you've experienced this, you can contact the Revenge Porn Helpline or Wellbeing Support Services. If the perpetrator is another student, you can report them anonymously through the Report and Support tool or request advice from an advisor.

Spiking

'Spiking' is when someone purposely puts alcohol or drugs into another person's drink or their body without their knowledge and/or consent to influence their behaviour.

If you, or someone you are with has been spiked - Report to the police as soon as it's safe to do so by calling 101 or dial 999 in an emergency.

When you report a spiking incident to the police they will take a non-invasive urine sample. Some drugs leave the body in less than 12 hours, so it is important to report and test as soon as possible. Other drugs remain in the body longer, so testing can take place up to seven days after the incident.

The Police will listen to you and take you seriously - for more information please look at the dedicated page from Avon and Somerset Police.

Drug Spiking

Rohypnol (or Roofie) and Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) are the most common 'date-rape' drugs - It is unlikely you will be able to taste or smell anything suspicious. It usually takes between 15-30 minutes to take effect, and symptoms can last up to several hours. It can also include injecting someone or adding drugs to cigarettes and food.

Alcohol Spiking

Consider this: you are out on a date, or maybe with friends, and you are being brought drinks with higher alcohol content than requested, could they be spiking you? Would you be comfortable with this?

It's good to communicate your alcohol tolerance and desired %, but it is best practice to always be in control of what drinks you buy on a night out - even if the people you are with, are people you trust.

Spotting the Signs of Spiking

Symptoms of spiking can vary depending on the size and height of the person, type and amount of drug or alcohol used or how much alcohol was consumed prior to the incident.

Read Bristol Nights' guidance on what to look out for, when someone's been spiked.

Spiking Support at University

At the University of Bristol, both the Beckford and Balloon bar are stocked with spiking test kits. These immediately detect the presence of drugs in drinks and are completely free of charge to students.

You can also grab anti-spiking drink stoppers that cover your bottle, free of charge from your SU welcome desk on the 5th Floor of Senate House.