If you have been the target of sexual misconduct or harassment, it may be hard to know what to do or how to feel. sometimes people feel a lot of confusion about what has happened. What happened was not your fault. What you do next is your choice. Your safety and wellbeing are the most important things right now and you can access specialist support, if and whenever you feel ready.
Reporting options
Sexual misconduct and harassment can happen to anyone, by anyone.
It’s your choice. It's up to you whether or not to report what's happened. Nobody else can or should make that choice for you.
Report to the University and get support
Students, staff and campus visitors can report an incident using the ARU’s Report and Support portal. You can choose to report anonymously, or you can report with contact details and request support from an adviser. If you choose to talk to an adviser, they will be able to discuss your options and support available to you, in confidence.
Find your local Sexual Assault Referral Centre
Sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) offer medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused. SARCs have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers to care for you. You can get help from a SARC by booking an appointment with your nearest one. They have Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) who are trained to look after the needs of a survivor of rape or sexual violence to ensure they receive the best possible care and understanding. ISVAs are there to provide information to ensure and you can make a decision that is right for you. Free and Confidential, the SARC can take and keep evidence for if you want to report to the police.
Contact the Police
Sexual assault is a criminal offence. If you're thinking of reporting to the police, Rape Crisis have produced a useful list of things to think about. To report an incident you can call 101, report online or visit your local police station to report a crime. To report an incident anonymously to the police you can call crime stoppers at any point on 0800 555 111 or use their online form.
University Policies
If you choose to make a formal complaint to the University about a student or member of staff there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow. Please note, making a report via Report and Support does not initiate a formal university complaint. You may find it useful to review our policies for further information before you do.
University Support
There is lots of support available at ARU that you can access. We have resources and people ready to help you so don't hesitate to reach out to our wellbeing support teams and remember that you're not alone. We have specific support for anyone who believes they have experienced sexual misconduct. The ARU Sexual Violence Advocacy Service (SVA) will support you.
For student wellbeing support options visit our website.
For staff wellbeing support options visit The Heron.
Campus security and SafeZone app
We're committed to making sure we have a secure and supportive environment for everyone. If you ever feel unsafe or need urgent help on campus, contact our Safety and Security team as soon as possible.
The SafeZone personal safety app is free to download and use, and is the quickest way to get emergency help on campus.
Visit aru.ac.uk/keepsafe
External Support
- Rape Crisis England and Wales. Provides further information on supporting a survivor.
- Victim Support. If you report a crime to the police, they should automatically ask you if you would like help from an organisation like Victim Support. But anyone affected by crime can contact them directly – you don’t need to talk to the police to get Victim Support help.
- Victim Focus: Caring for yourself after sexual violence This is a free E-learning course with unlimited access.
- Survivors Network: Survivors Self Help Guide This is a self help guide for survivors who want to understand and process their own personal reactions to their experience.
- Survivors Network: Resources This list of resources for survivors and supporters including self-help guides, videos, galleries and more.