Sexual violence information and support
Sexual violence is an all-encompassing, non-legal term that is used to describe any kind of unwanted sexual activity or act that takes place without consent. If something sexual has happened to you without your consent, or if you're supporting someone who has experienced this, you will find information here about the support we can offer, reporting options, and where to find further information and advice.
The term "sexual violence" is an all-encompassing, non-legal term that is used to describe any kind of unwanted sexual activity that takes place without consent. It can be experienced by anyone, regardless of their identity or circumstances.
Examples of sexual violence could include:
- Rape or non-consensual sex
- Sexual assault (including unwanted kissing or touching)
- Stealthing (removing a condom during sex without consent or lying about using one)
- Unwanted sexual images or 'cyberflashing'
- Revenge porn (recording or sharing sexual images or videos of someone without their consent)
- Sexual harassment (including unwanted sexual comments)
- Indecent exposure or flashing
- Child sexual abuse
Everyone has the right to not want sex or any other kind of sexual activity. We also have the right to change our minds at any time, or to consent to doing one sexual thing with someone but not another.
Without consent, any kind of sexual activity is sexual violence.
If you have recently been sexually assaulted (within the past 10 days), you may want to attend the Sexual Assault Referral Centre. You can contact the 24/7 centre on 0800 970 0372. A Crisis Worker will listen to what has happened to you and explain how they can help and what options are available to you.
In the UK, someone can only legally give their consent if they have agreed by choice and have the freedom and capacity to make that choice without pressure. Consent should always be enthusiastic and clear; if there is any doubt, you should always stop and ask - check out the Pause, Play, Stop interactive resources to find out more.
You might find it useful to learn more about understanding consent through the following resources:
If something has happened to you without your consent and you would like to speak to someone about support available or your options for reporting, you can get advice from our Sexual Violence Liaison Officer (SVLO) team.
If you have experienced sexual violence, it's important that you understand your options for reporting what has happened to the police or the University to make an informed decision.
There are many myths about sexual violence which can impact how survivors view themselves. These myths can be dangerous. Rape Crisis has taken a look at some of the most common myths to break them down and help you learn more.
If a friend or family member tells you that they have experienced sexual violence, it's important to listen to them and give them space to share their experience. It can be really scary to reach out for help, and it often takes a long time to build up the courage to tell someone what has happened. It's important not to dismiss what they are telling you and to reassure them that you believe them.
Let your friend or family member know that there is support available to them. If they are a Keele student, please encourage them to reach out to our Sexual Violence Liaison Officer team. They may decide that it's not the right time to get support, and this is okay. Do not judge or force them to make a decision against their wishes They need to be able to have autonomy to make decisions and have control over their own situation.
If you have reason to believe that someone is in immediate danger, call the police on 999.
It can be difficult to support a friend or family member who has experienced sexual violence, and it can take a toll on your own wellbeing and mental health. Your Student Experience and Support Officer can support you with anything which may be impacting you. You can also ask to speak to our Sexual Violence Liaison Officer team. Although we cannot discuss individual cases, the team would be more than happy to offer further confidential guidance and advice.
If you’re a Keele student experiencing abuse, please contact our Student Services team for support and advice. The external websites and guides listed in this section provide practical advice, as well as emotional support and guidance via the phone and online chat functions. It may be difficult for you speak to someone if the person who has perpetrated the sexual violence lives in the same household; online chat offers a silent way of accessing support.
Sexual violence helplines:
Rape Crisis: A free telephone helpline which can provide advice to women and men
Staffordshire Women's Aid: Offers a free, non-judgmental and confidential service for adults, children over the age of 4, and close family members/significant others who have been affected by sexual assault or abuse at any point during their lives
Sexual violence support services:
Grange Park: Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) based near Hanley (Stoke-on-Trent city centre)
NHS Choices: Help after rape and sexual assault
Galop: 0800 999 5428 (national helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people)
Brook: Sexual health and wellbeing services for young people
Support for Student Sex Workers: Online support for students involved in the sex work industry, with access to professionals in mental health, sexual violence, sexual health and people with lived experience
