Harassment and misconduct support outside the University

Sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) offer medical, practical and emotional support to victim-survivors of sexual violence. They are located across the country and available for everyone, regardless of gender, age, the type of incident, or when it happened.

The local Sexual Assault Referral Centre (The Hazlehurst Centre) offers free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support to anyone in West Yorkshire that has experienced sexual assault or rape in their lifetime.

It is located in Morley, Leeds. You can phone the Hazelhurst Centre on +44(0)330 223 0099. Support is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

They provide services such as:

• immediate over-the-phone rape and sexual assault support and signposting to specialist services
• in-person rape or sexual assault crisis support and healthcare including access to medicine
• forensic medical examinations
• holistic examinations and care for non-recent cases
• collection and storage of forensic samples
• referrals to specialist counselling and Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA) support
• follow-up calls after an appointment.

Depending on when the incident happened, you could consider a forensic medical examination. This includes checking for any physical injuries and collecting forensic samples. Even if you are unsure whether to report to the police, these samples can be stored at the SARC for up to two years and used as evidence if you do decide to make a formal report. 

• Basis Yorkshire provides safety, information and support to women and young people.
• GP services: you could consider accessing medical services from your local GP, including Leeds Student Medical Practice.
• Galop is an LGBT+ anti-abuse charity supporting LGBT+ victims/survivors of sexual abuse and violence.
• MESMAC: if you're worried about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV or pregnancy, you can access testing/screening and contraception from MESMAC. They also have information about group support.
• Shantona: Shantona’s independent sexual violence advisor offers free and confidential support for young girls and women (age 13 to 25) from culturally diverse communities.
• Support After Rape and Sexual Violence Leeds (SARVSL): a rape crisis centre that supports women and girls who have experienced sexual violence. They are a trans-inclusive service that provides information, advocacy and counselling.
• Survivors UK is a national charity that support male victims of sexual assault or abuse. Locally, victims/survivors can access support from Survivors West Yorkshire and Ben's Place.
• Women’s Night Safe Space is a non-judgemental safe bus for women to seek refuge, support and advice in the city centre at night time. Their support includes: mobile phone charging facilities, water, refreshments and warm drinks, support calling a taxi, somewhere to talk through concerns and be signposted for further support. 

• Clare’s Law – Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme is a police policy giving people the right to know if their current or ex-partner has any previous history of violence or abuse.
• HALT Domestic Violence (Help, Advice and the Law Team) offers information, advice and advocacy. HALT supports those at the highest risk of domestic and sexual violence and abuse, stalking, forced marriage and honour based violence. You can self-refer to their service.
• Karma Nirvana is the first specialist charity for victims and survivors of honour-based abuse in the UK.
• Leeds Domestic Violence Service supports all people in Leeds affected by domestic violence and abuse. Whatever you may be going through, they are here to listen without judgement and support.
• Victim Support are available night and day, everyday if you need to speak to someone an get free and confidential support.

• Equality Advisory Support Service’s discrimination helpline can provide advice and information on discrimination in employment, housing, education, transport and cases where you may have been discriminated against.
• National Bullying Helpline provides assistance to individuals struggling with bullying issues, whatever the nature of the abuse.
• National Stalking Helpline is run by the Suzy Lampugh Trust. They offer advice, support and guidance if you feel you are being stalked or have concerns about someone's behaviour.
• Support Line provides a confidential telephone helpline offering emotional support to any individual on any issue. They offer specific guidance in relation to stalking and harassment and bullying. Their helpline is primarily a preventative service and aims to support people before they reach the point of crisis.
• Victim Support are available night and day, everyday if you need to speak to someone an get free and confidential support.