Services within the University of Cambridge
Harassment and Violence Support Service
The University has a dedicated Harassment and Violence Support Service staffed by specialist support workers. They can provide emotional and practical support to any student who has been raped, sexually assaulted, or harassed, recently or in the past. You can email them directly to arrange an appointment or complete an online (secure) ‘Pre-SHVA’ form.
University Counselling Service
You can access individual counselling support from the University Counselling Service, who provide useful online guidance and helpful resources for both those who have experienced sexual violence of any kind, and for those supporting them. Group counselling is also available, including the dedicated Hold the Hope self-care workshop for students who have experienced any kind of sexual harassment, assault or violence, at any time in their lives.
Student Advice Service
The Student Advice Service run by Cambridge SU is an independent source of support for any student, including on matters of harassment and sexual misconduct.
Local organisations
- The Elms – Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). 0800 193 5434. You can go to The Elms for a forensic medical examination where they can store evidence for you while you make your mind up about reporting. We will help you travel there and back, and someone can go with you. Please note this examination must take place within a limited timeframe, so you may have to make this decision very quickly.
- Cambridge Rape Crisis 01223 245 888. A local service for women and girls who have experienced rape and sexual violence.
- Cambridge Victim Services 0800 781 6818. Independent and confidential advice for victims and witnesses of crime.
- Women’s Aid 01223 460947. A Cambridge support service for women who have been subjected to intimate partner abuse and violence.
National organisations
- Equality Advisory and Support Service 0808 800 0082
- The Samaritans 116 123. Support for those struggling to cope with a range of issues.
- Survivors UK 020 33221860. Focused on supporting survivors of male rape and sexual abuse.
- ManKind. 01823 334244. A national organisation providing support to men who have been subjected to intimate partner abuse and violence.
- National Stalking Helpline (Suzy Lamplugh Trust) 0808 802 0300
- Galop 020 7704 2040. A national organisation providing support for all LGBT+ people who have experienced hate crime, domestic abuse or sexual violence. Consortium runs a Bi Survivors Network.
- Organisations that provide specialised support for Black and minoritised women include Imkaan (020 7842 8525), Ashiana, and Muslim Women's Network UK.
- Disabled Survivors Unite works with disabled survivors of abuse and sexual violence.
- Paladin is a national stalking advocacy service, supporting anyone who has been subjected to harassment and stalking.
- Relate 01302 347866. Relationship counselling.
- Refuge 0808 2000 247. For women and children. The freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline.
- Respect 0808 8010327. Men's Advice Line: the freephone, 24-hour helpline for male victims of domestic abuse, and perpetrators who want to change.
- Karma Nirvana 0808 2000 247. Marriage and honour-based violence
- The Survivors Trust 08088 010818. Umbrella agency for specialist rape and sexual abuse services
- Victim Support 08081 689111. Support for victims of crime.
