Sexual violence

Sexual violence is any unwanted sexual comments and non consensual sexual acts and activity.

Examples of sexual violence

• Sexual intercourse or engaging in a sexual act without consent
• attempting to engage in sexual intercourse or engaging in a sexual act without consent
• sharing private sexual materials of another person without consent
• kissing without consent
• touching inappropriately through clothes without consent
• inappropriately showing sexual organs to another person
• repeatedly following another person without good reason
• Making unwanted remarks of a sexual nature.

Consent is agreeing by choice and having the freedom and capacity to make that choice. Capacity is based on the person: being the right age, being sober, having the mental and physical ability to agree freely, not being threatened or afraid of harm and not being detained against their will. Consent should not be presumed from a previous sexual encounter but should be sought at every stage.

Sexual violence is contrary to the Sexual Offences Act 2003, sexual harassment is contrary to the Equality Act 2010 and neither will be tolerated under the University’s Rules, Regulations and Procedures for students which also includes more in depth definitions.

If the rape or sexual assault happened recently (within 7 days), you can have a medical examination carried out at your nearest Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). They can also support you with counselling and crisis/ongoing support. You do not have to report the incident to the police to access this service.

• Cambridgeshire: Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre offers support to women and girls who have experienced rape, childhood sexual abuse or any other form of sexual violence.
• Essex: Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse (CARA) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs.

If you are a commuting student, you can use the NHS search tool to find your local SARC.

You can also access support from our Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA). She is here to listen to you, believe you and offer you support and advocacy. You can find out more about what ISVA support looks like and how to access support on our Harassment Support Network page

• A friend or family member. Talking things through with someone you trust can sometimes help.
• Galop is a charity that supports lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and queer people affected by sexual violence.
• The National Stalking Helpline can give you information and advice on support and options available to you if you are affected by stalking.
• Nightline is a listening support and information service run by students for Cambridge University and Anglia Ruskin students (Cambridge and Chelmsford) during Cambridge University full term.
• The Police. There are a variety of ways that you can contact your police force and they encourage you to do so to help them tackle hate crime in your area:
  • Cambridgeshire Police or you can report what happened via a Hate Crime reporting centre.
  • Essex Police or you can report what happened via a hate crime reporting centre.
• The Revenge Porn Helpline offers practical assistance in reporting and removing content online, as well as non-judgemental, emotional support.
• Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like in your own way, about whatever is on your mind (lines open 24/7).
• Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) are special facilities where victims of rape or sexual assault can receive help and support. For more information about SARC, click here. Link to the ‘It has just happened section’ near the top of this page as the SARC links are already listed here, rather than repeating them.
• Victim Support provide emotional and practical support to both men and women who experience sexual violence. Their services are confidential, free and available regardless of whether you have told the police or anyone else about the incident; or whether the assault was recent or not.