Support for those experiencing Domestic Abuse, Online Harassment, Sexual violence or Stalking during COVID-19

The Student Wellbeing Team have recently developed two new COVID-19 wellbeing guides for students, one focused on online harassment and the other on domestic abuse. This is because, both nationally and internationally, there is evidence of an increase in these forms of abuse since the self-isolation and social distancing measures were introduced to control the pandemic.

• COVID-19 Experiencing or at risk of domestic abuse (pdf)
• COVID-19 Online harassment (pdf)
• All University Wellbeing self-help resources

This is a worrying time for us all, but particularly for adults and children living with domestic violence, or who have experienced stalking or sexual abuse. Risks will be heightened and people may be feeling trapped or that their mental health is suffering as a result of isolation. If you think that you, or someone you know is experiencing any type of abuse, it is important to remember that it is not yours or their fault and that support remains available from both the University and external support services as well as the Police. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, isolation rules do not apply.

What if someone needs advice and support about Domestic or sexual abuse and violence?

Any of our students can reach out and contact our Disclosure Response Team. Our trained staff can: provide practical support; signpost to specialist services; explain options for reporting and complaints procedures; and support you with managing your safety. You can disclose the abuse to us by completing our online form, either with your name or anonymously. If you identify yourself, our Disclosure Response Team can then help you get the support you need.

This service is open for any students who are experiencing violence or abuse no matter where you are currently located.

Alternatively, anyone can call the following services for advice and support:

• England: Freephone 24h National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge: 0808 2000 247
• Scotland: Freephone 24h Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline: 0800 027 1234
• Wales: 24h Life Fear Free Helpline: 0808 80 10 800
• Northern Ireland: 24h Domestic & Sexual Violence Helpline: 0808 802 1414
• The Portal (Support for Survivors of Abuse and Violence) free phone 0300 323 9985
• Rehab 4 Addiction: Treatment enquiries 0800 1404690
• In an emergency call 999 – If it is not safe for you to speak you can use the Silent Solution system – call 999, and if the operator hears no response, you will be directed to press ‘55’ if you need help. The conversation will then continue in a way that allows the caller to communicate by using yes/no to answer questions.