If you have experienced sexual assault, harassment, rape or any other kind of sexual violence, the most important thing to know is that is was not your fault. You deserve support and understanding around what has happened.

You can find below a selection of helpful resources.
Please note that whilst we hope that these resources are useful, the Counselling Service does not endorse the opinions expressed by other parties.

The Counselling Service suggests that people check the data collecting practices of online tools and apps that track mental health. 

UCS LEAFLETS

EXTERNAL LEAFLETS

Cambridge Rape Crisis

• Self help guide - for self-defining women and girls who have experienced sexual violence of any kind.
• Support for supporters - if someone you care about has experienced sexual violence.

 Survivors West Yorkshire

• Self help guide - for males who have been sexually abused and their partners, family and friends. 

SUPPORT

The UCS have a Sexual Assault and Harassment Advisor (SAHA):

• The SAHA is a specialist support worker who provides confidential emotional and practical support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted, or harassed, recently or in the past.
• We can support you whether this happened at University or not, and can help you to access other available support services.
• The SAHA can support you to explore your options for reporting what has happened and can support you through this process if you do choose to go ahead.
• You do not have to report your experience to access support from the SAHA.

Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre - offers support to women and girls who have experienced rape, childhood sexual abuse or any other form of sexual violence, recently or in the past.

• Their confidential helpline is open four times a week, on Wednesday 7pm-9.30pm, Thursday 7pm-9.30pm, Saturday 3pm-5.30pm and Sunday 10am-12.30pm.
• Their email support service is available at mailto:support@cambridgerapecrisis.org.uk and they respond to all emails within 2-7 days.
• They offer face to face counselling in Cambridge and Ely.
• Their Independent sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA) service supports anyone, or any age, gender or background, who has experienced sexual violence and wants help to navigate the Criminal Justice System.

Survivors UK  - support for male survivors of rape, childhood sexual abuse or any other form of sexual violence, recently or in the past.

• Their confidential helpline services are open Mon-Fri 10.30am-9.pm and Sat-Sun 10am-6pm. Visit website for contact details.
• They offer individual face to face and telephone counselling for adult men (18 and over).

The Elms SARC - Sexual Assault Referral Centre covering Cambridgeshire, based in Huntingdon.

• At the SARC you can access information and support around your options and forensic medical examinations. If something has happened within the last 7 days, you have the option to have a forensic medical examination to preserve evidence. This is offered whether you would like to report to the police or not. The evidence will be stored safely at The Elms.

Choices - Long term counselling and group work in Cambridge for adult survivors of Childhood Abuse.

Cambridge Women's Aid - provides dedicated and specialist services to women and children affected by domestic abuse.

• Information, advice and support.
• Safe refuge in Cambridge city.
• One to one help and group work for women living in Cambridge City and South Cambs.

WEBSITES

Galop - LGBT + anti- violence Charity

Rape Crisis National

Rape Crisis Scotland

Scared of Someone? - Surviving Stalking

Victim Support

Women's Aid

Campaigns

Cambridge for Consent - Cambridge University Celebrating and Promoting Sexual Consent

Good Lad Initiative 

This Is Not An Invitation To Rape Me 

I Just Froze

Men Can Stop Rape

Disclaimer

The descriptions given are intended to provide a summary of the contents but should not be taken to imply that the Counselling Service endorses the opinions expressed.

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Healing from Trauma: A Survivor's Guide to Understanding your Symptoms and Reclaiming Your Life
Jasmin Lee Cori, 2009

With innovative insight into trauma-related difficulties, Jasmin Lee Cori helps you: understand trauma and its devastating impacts, identify symptoms of trauma and common mental health problems that stem from trauma, manage traumatic reactions and memories and create a more balanced life that supports your recovery.

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8 Keys to Safe Trauma Recovery: Take-Charge Strategies to Empower Your Healing

Babette Rothschild, 2010

 

After reading this book, readers will be able to recognize their own individual needs and evaluate whether those needs are being met. They will have the tools necessary to put themselves in the drivers seat, navigating their own safe road to recovery.