This week (February 7-13) is Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week.
To mark this week, we would like to provide some information on the support and resources available to help if you, or someone you know, are facing sexual violence. It is normal to feel nervous about accessing support but please know that you are not alone and that there are people here to help. There is no right or wrong way to feel, and please try to remember that whatever happened is not your fault.
Help at LSE
LSE is committed to equality and creating a safe space for all students. If you have experienced or witnessed sexual violence or harassment, you can reach out to speak with a Safe Contact, trained volunteers who can listen and provide confidential support to any student. They can help you figure out if you want to report a specific instance to the school, via the Report It, Stop It Tool. If you do want to make a report, it can be completely anonymous, so you don’t need to provide personal information that may make you uncomfortable.
The LSE Student Counselling Service is a service with professional counsellors who can provide a confidential space for you to discuss any mental health concerns. If you have experienced sexual violence or harassment and would like to be seen without 24 hours (during weekdays), you can book a priority counselling appointment.
LSE also has a specialist Sexual Violence Support Worker from Rape Crisis South London, who can provide independent support to anyone who has survived sexual violence. She can provide up to three sessions of individualized support and can signpost to further resources that may be of assistance. For male identified students, LSE also partners with SurvivorsUK who can offer online appointments with an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor. To arrange an appointment with the ISVA, please contact edi.svsupport@lse.ac.uk.
LSE Student Union Advice Team
The Student Advice Team is always here if you need support navigating your options. We are here to listen to you, provide confidential and non-judgmental advice, and can provide links to further resources.
If you are experiencing sexual harassment within the academic setting, you may also consider making a complaint about your experience. We are happy to assist with this process and can provide guiding information.
You can contact the Advice Team by email at su.advice@lse.ac.uk, or you can also book a telephone or Zoom appointment with an adviser through Student Hub.
External Sources of Support
There are also a range of services available outside the school, which you may be more comfortable accessing. Below is a list of some available resources. Please note this list is not exhaustive, and if you have a specific need, you can always contact the advice team and we will help you find a service.
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Rape Crisis - Provides emotional support, information and referrals, by women, for women and girls.
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Galop - Provides support to members of the LGBT+ peoples who have experienced abuse or violence.
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Survivors UK - Provides support to men, boys, and non-binary individuals who have experienced sexual violence.
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The Havens - Specialist health centres for survivors of sexual assault. They are available 24/7 and can provide urgent appointments.
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Rights of Women - Provides women with legal advice and information.
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London Survivors Gateway - Provides support to victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse in order to access specialist services in London.
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Revenge Porn Helpline - Provides support to anyone experiencing intimate image abuse.
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Refuge - Provides support for survivors of domestic violence.
Any decision regarding the way you wish to proceed is up to you. We are here to listen and support you.
Blog written by Roxana Parsa.
Roxana works as an Advice Assistant in the LSESU Advice Team.
The LSESU Advice Team
The LSESU Advice Team is based on the 3rd floor of the Saw Swee Hock Building and we provide free, independent and confidential advice to all LSE students on academic and housing matters. We also administer the Hardship Fund, the Childcare Fund and the Graduation Gown Support Fund (GGSF).
Our service is currently operating using a hybrid working pattern. We are still open and can be accessed by emailing su.advice@lse.ac.uk. You can also book a telephone or Zoom appointment with an adviser through Student Hub.