The University understands that seeking advice and support for any form of sexual violence can be a very difficult and personal decision. This is why we have established a specialised support service for students and staff who have experienced sexual violence at any point in their lifetime.
What is the role of a University SVLO?
- Offering you a primary point of contact within the University to support you. This will usually start with an initial discussion of the disclosures that you have made and support you with the next steps.
- Providing you with information, advice and guidance on University policies and procedures relevant to your circumstances.
- Supporting you with information, advice and guidance on your reporting options. We will never push you to report, the support we offer is very much led by you.
- Supporting you with information, advice and guidance on services that may be of support to you within the University or your local community.
- Working with your course team in cases where there are impacts on your studies or where you may need specific adjustments or some time away from your studies.
- Advising about the concessions policies and procedures.
- Offering a point of contact if there is any police involvement.
Who can access an SVLO?
SVLOs can support students and staff who have experienced any form of sexual violence and misconduct, including recent and non-recent cases. This is whether or not the case has been reported to the Police. This is not limited to cases that have happened within the UK but please note the training our SVLOs receive is specific to the English and Welsh criminal justice system
A University SVLO can also support responding parties, including students who have been the subject of an allegation internally. This support includes providing information on how procedure works and timelines, as well as signposting and referring to relevant wellbeing support.
Who are the University SVLOs?
The SVLO service is a diverse group of staff drawn from various teams across the university namely Student Wellbeing, Students' Union, Staff Wellbeing and EDI (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion). We will endeavour to meet a clients request for an SVLO from a particular background.
All our SVLOs complete LimeCulture’s SVLO development programme training which is an intensive course that equips SVLOs with the knowledge and specialist skills to identify risk and support the needs of students and staff who have experienced sexual violence.
How can I access this support?
How can I access this support?
You can complete the SVLO referral form through Report and Support and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Confidentiality notice:
- The service will keep information you disclose confidential, all information is confined within the SVLO team and other internal support services on a need-to-know basis.
- However, in some rare situations, we may need to break confidentiality such as when someone is at risk of harm or if there is safeguarding concern. We would notify you if this was to happen.
- A full disclosure is not required in order to access support. Notes are taken by SVLOs of all meetings including disclosures of the incident(s).
- For those involved in the Criminal Justice Process, please be mindful that the Police and criminal courts can request copies of these notes. We cannot refuse court requests.
- You can access University's Privacy Policy for further information and guidance.