External Resources
Information on how you can receive support and help from external resources.
Sexual Assault Referral Centre
Sexual Assault Referral Centres offer advice, support, counselling, sexual health screening referrals, confidential forensic medical examination and the support of an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA). You can approach them in confidence, whether or not you wish to make a formal report to the Police or University. They can collect and store forensic evidence, and support you if you later choose to report the incident to the Police. It is also possible to pass on anonymous information about the sexual assault, which may help agencies identify offending patterns / behaviour or serial offenders.
Local Sexual Assault Referral Centres
Durham
The Meadows SARC: Covering the County Durham and Darlington area
- Staff are available for advice or referrals during office hours, Monday to Friday on 0191 375 2933
Stockton
The Teesside SARC: Covering Teesside and surrounding areas
- Staff are available on 01642 061230 Monday – Friday, 9am - 5pm or via email: Middlesbroughanddurham.sarc@nhs.net
- The 24 hour SARC North East Referral number is 03333 448 283 (press option 2 for Durham)
Police
To report an in incident to the police, students should call 101. If you wish to seek advice it should be noted that the call handler will generate a crime report should there be sufficient information to do so.
Durham Constabulary
- 101 non-emergency / 999 emergency
- www.durham.police.uk
Counselling
Rape & Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre
Offers counselling and support to women who have experienced rape, sexual violence, and/or domestic abuse in County Durham and Darlington. It offers a helpline service and ongoing face-to-face and telephone-based counselling and support. Note: Students and staff of all gender identities can access Rape & Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre counsellors on campus through the Counselling Service.
RSACC also provides a service for men and boys who would like to talk to someone about rape or sexual abuse, for more information please visit their website.
- 01325 369933
- www.rsacc-thecentre.org.uk
Arch North East (Queen’s)
Arch provide counselling, help and support to those who have experienced rape and/or sexual violence and are pursuing criminal proceedings or have been referred to by Helen Britton House SARC Teeside.
- 01642 822331
- www.archnortheast.org
Domestic Abuse Support
Harbour
Provides support, help and information to women and men experiencing domestic violence.
- 0300 20 25 25
- www.myharbour.org.uk
24-Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline (for women)
Provides support, help and information to women experiencing domestic violence.
- 0808 2000 247
- www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk
National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline
Provides specialist support for LGBT people who have experienced abuse including sexual violence within a relationship.
- 0800 999 5428
- www.galop.org.uk/
Men’s Advice Line (for men)
Provides support, help and information to men experiencing domestic violence.
- 0808 801 0327
- www.mensadviceline.org.uk
Helplines & Online Support
Rape Crisis National Telephone Helpline
Provides confidential support and/or information about nearest services. Open daily 12.00pm – 2.30pm and 7.00pm to 9.30pm.
- 0808 802 9999
- www.rapecrisis.org.uk
Rape & Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre Helpline
Provides free confidential information and support to women and girls directly or indirectly affected by sexual violence, abuse or domestic abuse. Calls are anonymous. Open Monday to Thursday 10am - 2pm.
RSACC also provides a service for men and boys who would like to talk to someone about rape or sexual abuse, for more information please visit their website.
- 0300 222 5730
- www.rsacc-thecentre.org.uk/help/helpline/
Survivors UK (for men)
Offers web chat helpline support to men who have experienced sexual violence, and their families and carers. Open daily 12pm - 8pm.
Revenge Porn Helpline
Offers confidential advice and support to individuals who have had intimate photos/videos distributed off/online without their consent. Open Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm
- 0345 6000 459
- www.revengepornhelpline.org.uk
- help@revengepornhelpline.org.uk.
Safeline's National Male Helpline (for men)
Offers support to men affected by rape or childhood sexual abuse.
- Call: 0808 800 5005
- Text: 07860027573
- www.safeline.org.uk/what-we-do/men
Rape and Sexual Assault Overseas
Guidance on what to do if sexually assaulted whilst abroad, including how the local Embassy can help.
National Stalking Helpline
Offers information, advice and guidance to individuals who are victims of stalking. Open weekdays 9.30am – 4.00pm and Wednesdays 1pm – 4pm
- 0808 802 0300
- www.suzylamplugh.org
Karma Nirvana National Helpline
Provides support to victims of Forced Marriage and so called 'Honour Based' Abuse. Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
- 0800 5999 247
- www.karmanirvana.org.uk
General Support
Durham Students’ Union Advice Centre
- +44 (0) 191 334 1777
- www.durhamsu.com/advicecentre
Nightline
Student-led listening service. Open every night of term 9pm - 7am.
- Phone number is on the back of your campus card.
- All Night. All Term. All Ears. (durhamnightline.com)
Self Help
VictimFocus: Caring for yourself after sexual violence
Survivors Network: Survivors Self Help Guide
Survivors Network: Resources
To print a list of support resources, please click here.