Support for those affected by harassment or sexual misconduct

To speak to a Student Wellbeing Advisor or other Student Wellbeing team member, you can contact your campus team as follows:

• Berlin: studentwellbeingberlin@bimm-institute.de 
• Birmingham: wellbeingbirmingham@bimm.ac.uk 
• Brighton: studentwellbeingbrighton@bimm.ac.uk 
• Bristol: wellbeingbristol@bimm.ac.uk 
• Dublin: studentwellbeingdublin@bimm.ie 
• Essex: studentsupportpc@performerscollege.ac.uk 
• Leeds: studentwellbeingleeds@metfilm.ac.uk
• London:
  • Film: wellbeing@metfilm.ac.uk  
  • Music: wellbeinglondon@bimm.ac.uk
• Manchester: wellbeingmanchester@bimm.ac.uk

Our Student Wellbeing teams can refer you to a trusted counselling service, either in-house or through the local external providers we collaborate with. They abide by the Ethical Framework set out by the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy and provide confidential support within a brief therapy model.

If you need support outside of office hours, you can contact the BIMM Student Support Line, which is available 24/7. The service is run on behalf of the university by our external partners, Spectrum Life, who offer telephone, text and online support from qualified counsellors. They will work with you in getting initial support and help and, where appropriate, can signpost to your campus Student Wellbeing team to continue supporting you, or to their portal of resources for your specific needs.

How to contact the support line:

You can call the support line on the following freephone numbers*, depending on your location:

• UK: 0800 031 8227
• Germany: +49 800 082 6970
• Ireland: 1800 851 340 * some phone providers do charge for freephone numbers so please check with your service provider.

To find out more information on this service you can also Text ‘Hi’ to +44 74 1836 0780 for SMS & WhatsApp Support (standard rates apply) or contact the BIMM Student Support Line via Live Chat. You can also request a call back where the counsellor will contact you within 24hrs (please note this will be via private number).

Please note text/live chat is for gather information and engage rather than mental health consultations. To access clinical care, please call the designated phone number listed above.

The service is also available through the Spectrum Life portal: Sign up here.

Organisation Code (case sensitive): BIMM

LARA – Support for women and trans women affected by sexual violence.

Frauenberatung TARA – Counselling centre for women who have experienced sexual violence and domestic violence.

EOTO – Anti-discrimination counselling and advice for Black, African and Afrodiasporic people.

Gladt.de – An organization of black, indigenous and persons of colour lesbians, gays, bisexuals, Trans*, Inter* and queers in Berlin. They offer frees counselling for racism, sexism, trans*- and homophobia, ableism, and other forms of discrimination.

LesMigraS – Counselling for Lesbians, Bisexual women, Trans*, Inter*, Non-Binary and Queer people who experienced violence or discrimination.

Hilfe-Portal Sexueller Missbrauch – Sexual Abuse Helpline Phone: 0800 22 55 530

Hilfetelefon “Gewalt gegen Frauen – Violence Against Women Helpline Phone: +49 8000 116 016

Hilfetelefon “Gewalt an Männern – Help Hotline for Violence Against Men Phone: 0800 123 9900

WEISSER RING – Victim Support Hotline Phone: 116 006

RVSP – Rape & Sexual Violence Project – Provide support for people across Birmingham & Solihull who have been subjected to sexual violence and abuse.

BSWA – Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid – Provide frontline domestic violence and abuse support services to women and children in the Birmingham and Solihull area.

Anawim – Birmingham’s Centre for Women – Provide support for women from across Birmingham who have suffered trauma, violence or abuse.

Birmingham LGBT – Offer a variety of support for the Birmingham LGBTQ+ community

Sussex Police – How to report Sexual Offences – Information about options available

The Saturn Centre Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Offer free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support to people of all ages in Sussex that have experienced sexual assault including rape in their lifetime.

Brighton & Hove Sexual Heath and Contraception Service – Free and confidential service, including sensitive support and advice for anyone who has been sexually assaulted.

The Bridge Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Offers medical care, emotional and psychological support, and practical help to anyone living in the Bristol area who has been raped or sexually assaulted.

SARSAS – A South-West based charity supporting survivors of sexual assault.

One25 – Reaches out to women who are street sex workers in Bristol and supports them to move from crisis and trauma towards independence in the community.

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre – Counselling & support for those who have experienced sexual violence.

Women’s Aid – National, feminist organisation working to prevent and address the impact of domestic violence and abuse including coercive control, in Ireland.

Where to find a sexual assault treatment unit – Resources and guidelines for anyone over the age of 14 who has been raped or sexually assaulted.

Hotline – Here you can securely, confidently and anonymously report suspected illegal content encountered online. (Intimate image based sexual abuse, Child sexual abuse material and Racism & Xenophobia).

Immigrant Council of Ireland – Advocacy and information on issues relating to race and racism.

TENI – Transgender Equality Network Ireland

Pavee Point – Mental health resources for members of the Irish Traveller’s community

National Youth Council of Ireland – Support for young people on a wide variety of issues

Outhouse – LGBT+ community resource

Men’s Aid – Men’s Aid Ireland provide a confidential service underpinned by a victim centric and human rights proofed approach aimed at ensuring all male victims of Domestic Violence/Coercive Control receive the required support to be safe.

Bullying and harassment – HSE.ie – The health service executive – Bullying & Harassments guide to support and what steps to take.

Cyberbullying – HSE.ie – The health service executive – Cyberbullying – How to deal with cyberbullying. What to do when private photos of you end up online – HSE.ie

Dealing with sexual harassment at work – HSE.ie – The health service executive – Dealing with sexual harassment at work. Guide to support and what steps to take.

The Irish human rights and equality commission (IHREC) – Provide information on sexual harassment. Phone: 1890 245 545

Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC):

Gov.ie – Department of justice, home affairs and migration – Information for survivors of sexual violence.

Crime victim’s helpline – Support services directory – If you have been impacted by crime here you will find a number of organisations in Ireland who can support you.

Oakwood Place Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Offers free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support, in Essex, to people of all ages, who have experienced sexual assault, including rape.

Support After Rape & Sexual Violence Leeds – Women-only safe space and specialist support for women and girls (aged 13+), including trans women, in Leeds who have been affected by rape, childhood sexual abuse, or sexual violence at any time in their lives. Services include, free helpline, advocacy (ISVA) service and counselling.

Bens Place – Supports men in West Yorkshire who have been affected by sexual violence. Services include online chat, counselling and advocacy support (ISVA). Self-referrals are open to anyone aged 16+.

LGBT Hero – Directory of LGBT+ support and advice services.

Shantona Womens Centre – Free 1-1 support with a culturally diverse ISVA’s and monthly listening circle once a month in Leeds. Accept telephone and online referrals. Also offer domestic violence services.

Hazelhurst Centre – Free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support to anyone in West Yorkshire that has experienced sexual assault or rape in their lifetime. Services include, immediate phone help and advice, in-person care and medication, forensic exams and evidence storage, support for recent and past assaults, referrals to counselling and ISVA support, follow-up after appointments.

Leeds Sexual Health – Offers symptom checks, STI testing, contraception, HIV/hepatitis prevention, and support after sexual assault, whether or not you go to the police or SARC. Support is available at any age and no matter when the incident happened.

Yorkshire MESMAC – Sexual health support primarily for Black African and other ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ and Trans+ people. Services include free condoms, access to PrEP, contraception advice, emergency contraception, and STI support.

Behind Closed Doors – Provide practical support in Leeds to reduce harm from abusive relationships, including safety planning, housing, legal help, and health support, along with programs to help survivors understand and recover from the impact of abuse.

Leeds Domestic Violence Service – Supports all people in Leeds affected by domestic violence and abuse. Services include a 24-hour helpline, drop-in support, emergency accommodation, Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVA), Community Domestic Violence Team, and peer support groups.

Karma Nirvana – Support for people with experiences of honour-based violence or forced marriage. Services include a free national helpline, free counselling and a specialist ‘sanctuary support’ service in Leeds, offering emotional, practical and advocacy support.

London LGBTQ+ Community Centre – The Centre initially came about as a pop-up Centre in response to the severe isolation and loneliness the LGBTQ+ community has felt since lockdown began. They are now a permanent space, offering a holistic programme of services, events, talks and workshops, combined with a cafe space that invites visitors to simply just be.

LGBTQ groups in London – Meetup – Useful list of LGBTQ+ groups in London.

St Marys Centre Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated forensic, counselling and aftercare service to men, women and children living in the Greater Manchester area who have experienced rape or sexual assault, whether this has happened recently or in the past.

Greater Manchester Rape Crisis – Free confidential and non-judgemental support service run by women for women who have experienced sexual violence at any time in their lives.

StrutSafe(Personal safety) – If you’re walking alone, our volunteers will be a friendly voice to keep you company and help you feel safe until you are through the door.

UK-wide phone line – 03333350026

• Fridays & Saturdays: 19:00 – 03:00
• Sundays: 19:00 – 01:00.

We Are Survivors – Men only. Offers drop in support, 1:1 Counselling, ISVA, Group support and operates a helpline for advise and support. Currently 12-15 month waiting list for counselling, less for remote support, 1 month for assessment.

Pankhurst Trust – Offers drop in support, ISVA, Group work for Women who have experienced domestic abuse.

Sexual Assault Referral Centres – postcode search facility – SARCs offer medical, practical, and emotional support. They have specially trained doctors, nurses, and support workers. You don’t have to report an incident to the police to use a SARC. You can still refer yourself for assessment and medical care. If you do decide to make a report to the police, they can also arrange for you to attend a SARC for medical care and, if you wish, a forensic medical examination.

The NHS non-emergency helpline 111 will be able to give details of your nearest SARC or you can use the postcode search facility.

Rape Crisis – To access help if you’ve experienced rape, child sexual abuse or any kind of sexual violence, or if you need details of local Rape Crisis services.

They also offer information about sexual violence for survivors, people supporting survivors (including men and boys), and information about their work.

Survivor’s Network – They are fully accredited members of Rape Crisis England and Wales. They offer professional relevant services to survivors of any gender aged 14+ who have experienced any form of sexual violence.

They have helplines for people who self-identify as women, for people who identify as trans, non-binary and support and referral services for men and boys. Only Brighton residents can use their Counselling and ISVA services, but the drop-ins and helplines are open to anyone.

One in Four – Support survivors of sexual violence, domestic violence and abuse, and particularly survivors of child sexual abuse and trauma.

Respond – A national charity supporting people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced abuse, violence or trauma

Safeline – Specialist sexual abuse charity working to prevent sexual abuse and to support those affected in their recovery. Male Helpline: 0808 800 5005 General Helpline: 0808 800 5008 Young people’s Helpline: 0808 800 5007

Brook – Charity providing information on what sexual harassment is.

CIS’ters – A survivor-led group for women who, as female children/teens, were raped/sexually abused by a member of their immediate/extended family.

Women Against Rape – A grassroots, multi-racial women’s group which provide support, legal information and advocacy; and campaign for justice and protection for all women and girls, including asylum seekers, who have suffered sexual, domestic and/or racist violence.  

National Female Genital Mutilation Centre – The National FGM Centre’s Vision is to keep children and young people safe from FGM and other Harmful Practices, including ending new cases of FGM by 2030.  

Survivors Self Help Guide – A self help guide for survivors of rape or sexual abuse, who want to understand and process their own personal reactions to their experience. 

Self Help Guide for Supporters – The Survivors’ Network guide for family and friends

Police investigations – what to expect – Survivors’ Network downloadable guide to walk you through the investigation process so you can make informed decisions.

National Domestic Abuse Helpline – Run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge, this is a national service for women experiencing domestic violence, their family, friends, colleagues and others calling on their behalf. The Helpline can give support, help and information over the telephone, wherever the caller might be in the country.

Refuge – Largest domestic abuse organisation in the UK. On any given day their services support thousands of women and their children, helping them to overcome the physical, emotional, financial and logistical impacts of abuse and rebuild their lives — free from fear.

Women’s Aid – National domestic violence charity that helps up to 250,000 women and children every year. They work to end violence against women and children, and support over 500 domestic and sexual violence services across the country.

Hollie Guard – The Hollie Guard turns your smartphone into a personal safety device. In danger? Status your phone or tap the screen to generate an alert. Your location and audio/video evidence will automatically be sent to your emergency contacts who can take action to help you quickly.

Rights of Women – Offer telephone advice lines providing free and confidential legal advice to women to enable them to access justice and safety from violence against women and girls.

Mankind UK – Male rape support and resource service for men who have been sexually abused, assaulted, raped. National UK charity based in East Sussex offering telephone helpline, counselling and support, one to one, groups and support for partners and families.

Survivors UK – Helps male survivors of childhood sexual abuse and adult sexual assault/rape. They can offer a range of support services including counselling and therapy appointments as well as online chat. All services are provided by trained professionals. They welcome anyone who identifies as male, trans, non-binary, has identified as male in the past, or anyone who feels that they are the right fit for them.

Respect – Men’s Advice Line UK – Helpline for male victims of domestic abuse.

IDAS – Most domestic abuse is directed at women and girls, but men can also be victims of domestic abuse, both in gay and straight relationships. IDAS support hundreds of men every year, helping them overcome the harmful impacts of being subject to abuse.

Safeline – National Male Survivor Helpline and Online Support Service – Dedicated specialist support services for male survivors of sexual abuse (adults, teenagers and children) and those who support them.

Revenge Porn Helpline – A free resource full of useful information for victims of revenge porn, information about what the law says, what can be done to limit its effects and help from organisations such as Facebook, Twitter and Google, along with links to various resources and support agencies.

Victim Support – Independent, free and confidential advice for anyone affected by crime.

Stopncii.org NCII – A free tool designed to support victims of Non-Consensual Intimate Image (NCII) abuse.

The National Stalking Helpline – Practical advice and information for anyone who is currently or has previously been affected by harassment or stalking.

Action Against Stalking – Provides free, professional and confidential support for victims of stalking.

Paladin – National Stalking Advocacy Service – Provides advice to victims of stalking and advocacy to high-risk victims of stalking, raises awareness of dangers and risks of stalking, develops a victim’s network of support as well as providing training to professionals and campaigning.

Protection Against Stalking – National charity working within communities to raise public awareness about stalking and support victims of stalking through providing specialist support services.

Report a stalker – Gov.UK site with information and advice on how to report a stalker.

Women’s Aid – I’m not sure if my relationship is healthy How to recognise unhealthy behaviour in a relationship.

Youth4Youth – A charitable organisation that provides services to young people aged 10-25 across the UK. Their primary service involves putting young people in contact with peers to provide peer-to-peer mentoring.

Family Lives – Healthy relationships This article is aimed at parents, but it can also provide a useful overview of what a healthy/unhealthy relationship looks like to young adults.

Healthy Relationships & red flags – This article explains what a healthy relationship looks like and what it does not look like.

Love is respect – Bank of resources around consent and healthy relationships.

National Bullying Helpline – Information and advice for anyone dealing with bullying.

Family Lives – Bullying – Provide information and advice on bullying both at school and in the workplace (but also relevant for universities).

Young Minds – Bullying – Information and advice on dealing with bullying online and at university.

Citizens Advice – Provide free and impartial advice on a range of issues. They also have an extensive range of resources relating to workplace bullying and harassment.

EACH – Educational Action Challenging Homophobia – Helpline offering support for young people affected by homophobia.

Equality Advisory & Support Service – Offer a helpline (0808 800 0082) that advises and assists individuals on issues relating to equality and human rights, across England, Scotland and Wales.

Galop – A charity working to prevent and challenge homophobic and transphobic hate crime.

Stonewall – Charity which campaigns on issues affecting lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

National LGBT Hate Crime Partnership – Bring together 35 LGBT organisations from across England, Wales and Scotland. They aim to increase the reporting of homophobic, bi-phobic and transphobic hate crimes and incidents and improve the support available to those targeted.

LGBT Foundation – Offers confidential and non-judgemental support and advice on a range of issues including harassment related to sexual orientation.

Community Security Trust (CST) – report Antisemitism – Charity which protects British Jews from terrorism and antisemitism.

Respond – National charity supporting people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced abuse, violence or trauma.

Tell Mama – Confidential support service for those suffering from anti-Muslim hate and discrimination across the UK.

Victim Support – 24/7 support line ((0808 168 9111)) provide support and advice to anyone who has been a victim of crime, whether or not you have spoken to the police.

The Cyber Helpline – Provides free, expert help for victims of cybercrime and online harm.

We understand that being the subject of an allegation of bullying, harassment, or sexual misconduct can be a challenging and stressful experience.

We are committed to ensuring a fair, transparent, and respectful process for everyone involved. If an allegation has been made against you, you can access confidential support through your campus Student Wellbeing team:

• Berlin: studentwellbeingberlin@bimm-institute.de
• Birmingham: wellbeingbirmingham@bimm.ac.uk
• Brighton: studentwellbeingbrighton@bimm.ac.uk
• Bristol: wellbeingbristol@bimm.ac.uk
• Dublin: studentwellbeingdublin@bimm.ie
• Essex: studentsupportpc@performerscollege.ac.uk
• Leeds: studentwellbeingleeds@metfilm.ac.uk
• London
  • Music: wellbeinglondon@bimm.ac.uk
  • Film: wellbeing@metfilm.ac.uk
• Manchester: wellbeingmanchester@bimm.ac.uk

They can offer:

• Confidential wellbeing services, including access to counselling
• Guidance on the investigation process, so you know what to expect at every stage.
• Academic support arrangements, if your studies are affected.

Please note that accessing support does not imply guilt or innocence. Our priority is to ensure the wellbeing of all students and to conduct any investigation fairly and thoroughly.