By Daisy Yates, Senior Digital Editor
Content warning: This article includes references to sexual violence. If you need support, resources can be found at the end of the article.
With Sexual Violence Awareness Week starting today, the University of Bristol is spotlighting the support and services available to students affected by sexual violence - much of it led by the Sexual Violence Support Service (SVSS), a specialist service designed to put students' needs, choices, and wellbeing first.
‘We support students who have experienced any form of sexual misconduct, regardless of when or where it happened. Sexual misconduct is any kind of unwanted sexual activity, which does not always include physical contact.’
The SVSS offers confidential, trauma-informed support to any student affected by sexual violence or misconduct, regardless of whether the experience happened recently, years ago, or even before arriving at university.
At the heart of the service is a survivor-led ethos. Rather than pushing students towards a particular outcome, the SVSS focuses on giving them clear options and a sense of control. Accessing the service does not require making a formal report to the university or police, and students are not expected to go into detail about what happened. Instead, support is tailored to each individual - whether that means emotional support, help navigating academic adjustments, or simply having someone to talk to.
‘Our services are here regardless of what a student wants to do next - or if they don't want to do anything at all.’
Epigram spoke to Stella Eastwood-Quinn, Senior Sexual Violence Support Manager for the university, who explained that ‘experiences of sexual violence often involve having control taken away. [The SVSS'] role is to give that control back - by providing clear information and support to let students decide what feels right for them.’
The SVSS works closely with a network of local organisations to provide holistic support. One of its key partners is The Bridge, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), who offer forensic and medical care for those who may wish to use it, but students can access varied forms of emotional and psychological support without utilising the forensic examination if they choose.
The service also collaborates with SARSAS, which provides specialist therapeutic support, and SafeLink, who offer Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA) support for those considering or navigating police reporting.
Inclusivity is a core priority for the SVSS. The service supports students of all genders and sexualities and recognises that some groups, including male or queer folk, may face additional barriers to seeking help. Where appropriate, students can also be signposted to specialist external services which reflect their identities and needs.
Over the past year, the service has added to the ways in which it engages with students. While online support remains available, students have increasingly expressed a preference for in-person interaction. In response, the service has increased the number of opportunities for face-to-face engagement beyond one-to-one appointments - from drop-ins to campus stalls and workshops, shaped directly by student feedback.
Throughout this week, students will be able to engage directly with the team through a series of events:
Monday 2nd February: A drop in session in the Policy Studies common room, where students can come to ask any questions they might have about the service, as well as a badge-making event.
Tuesday 3rd February: A student focus group testing a new, in-person consent workshop, designed to gather feedback on what students actually want from consent education.
Wednesday 4th February: The SVSS will be holding a stall inside the Indoor Sports Centre from 4-7pm focused on communication and consent. It will also offer an opportunity to ask any questions about the service.
Thursday 5th February: A collaboration with SARSAS in Senate House, offering a self-care day focused on practical techniques, as well as interactive activities like spin the wheel. In the afternoon, the service is also sponsoring an introductory meditation session at the Indoor Sports Centre, delivered alongside Wellbeing Services and open to all students, not just those affected by sexual violence. Sign up for the session here.
Ellie Barnes
As Sexual Violence Awareness Week begins, the Sexual Violence Support Service is emphasising a simple message: support exists, and it is led by students' choices. For students unsure where to turn, knowing that support is available - without conditions or expectations - can be a vital first step.
Find out more information about the Sexual Violence Support Service here.
Featured Image: Provided by the Univeristy of Bristol Sexual Support Service
Resources for those affected by sexual assault
At Epigram we stand with survivors and everyone affected by sexual violence. Being able to access support is vital, but it can feel daunting if you are already struggling and have no idea where to go to get the help you need. Here's a list of resources available to anyone who has been affected by sexual violence.
- Contact the University of Bristol's Sexual Violence Support Service here
- Access the SVSS's support information focusing on consent here
- Book a well-being appointment here
- Access information about The Bridge here
- Access information about SARSAS here
- Access information about SafeLink here
- Find the Sexual Support Service's ‘Consent Matters’ training here
