If you have experienced rape, sexual assault, or any form of sexual violence — recently or in the past — you are not to blame. The person responsible is the one who committed the abuse.
If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured, find a safe space and call 999 to seek emergency support from police or the ambulance service.
What support is available to me?
Support is available, and you have options. Please read the following information at your own pace. Speak to a trusted friend, family member, or a trained support service.
If the rape or assault was recent
If you’re injured or concerned about STIs or pregnancy, contact your GP, NHS 24 (111), or visit A&E. You can bring someone with you if that feels helpful.
Sexual Assault Response Co-ordination Service (SARCS): SARCS is a specialist support service in the days following a rape or sexual assault. You can contact SARCS 24/7 on 0800 148 8888. SARCS can also provide emotional support as well as emergency contraception and STI testing.
Reporting to the Police
You can report to Police Scotland by calling 101 or using their online form. In emergencies, call 999.
If you are unsure about reporting, you can contact SARCS on 0800 148 888. They offer support and the option of a forensic medical examination (to preserve evidence) without requiring a police report.
Police Scotland's video provides in depth detail of the various stages of reporting sexual crimes, and the criminal justice process in Scotland. Police Scotland provide addition information on their website.
Crimestoppers
If you don’t want to make a Police report, but want to share what happened, you can do so anonymously, through Crimestoppers, here. This helps Police Scotland gather intelligence, even if no formal report is made.
University reporting
Whether you are a student, staff member or a visitor of the University, you can submit a report on Report + Support. Other alternative options are shared below.
If you are a student and were harmed by another UoE student, you can request an investigation under the code of student conduct by completing this form and sending it to complaints@ed.ac.uk
If the person who harmed you is a student at a different university, you can make a complaint directly to their university under their code of student conduct/behaviour policy.
If you were harmed by a staff member, you can find a comprehensive list of your reporting options from the Dignity and Respect Policy. If you are a member of staff and wish to make a formal complaint, this should be submitted as a grievance in line with the University’s Grievance Policy.
If you are a student, Equally Safe and EUSA Advice Place can support you with making a complaint and during investigation.
Emotional support
The impact of sexual violence is experienced differently for each individual. There is no right or wrong way to experience this.
Your emotions at this time can range from feeling frightened and hyper-vigilant of further risk of harm; feeling avoidant and using distraction to prevent you thinking about your experience; feeling angry and wanting to seek justice; or feeling numb and disengaged from your experience. You may also not feel any impact which does not make your experience any less valid.
Talking to trusted friends, family or professionals can help you to process and move through your experience. Services that can support are listed at the bottom of this page.
It has happened to someone I know
Supporting someone can be emotionally difficult. If someone shares that they’ve experienced sexual violence — or hints at it through a comment or question—try to listen with care and without judgment.
They may respond to their experience differently than you would and may not wish to take the action that you think they should. Sexual violence is about power and control, so it’s important they feel in control of what happens next. You can gently suggest they look at this support page or explore the resources below.
Sexual violence is never the victim-survivor’s fault. It is important that you don't question the accuracy of their experience, tell them what they should have done differently, or tell them how they should behave now. Avoid saying things like:
- ‘Why didn't you fight back?',
- 'You should have left sooner',
- 'Why were you at his house?' or
- 'You need to tell the police, so it doesn't happen to someone else.'
It can feel difficult to know how to support someone in these circumstances. If you are supporting a student, please consider contacting the Equally Safe team. University Wellbeing Services are here for you as well.
You can also look to this guide for more information.
Supporting resources for students and staff
A list of support options available within the University can be found here.
External sources of support
Sexual Assault Response Co-ordination Service (SARCS): 0800 148 8888 (24-hour service).
Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre: Provides support to all victim-survivors in Edinburgh and the Lothians, including specialist counselling support and advocacy. Contact: 07966 067 301, 0131 556 9437 or support@ercc.scot.
Rape Crisis Scotland: Provides a national rape crisis helpline and email support for anyone of any gender affected by sexual violence. Contact: 0808 801 0302 (5 pm to midnight)
Galop: A charity that supports LGBT+ people affected by sexual violence. Contact: 0800 999 5428
Scottish Women's Rights Centre: Provides legal advice, advocacy support, and information for female survivors of GBV. Contact: 08088 010 789
Survivors UK: A national helpline for men who have experienced sexual abuse. Support offered through web chat, WhatsApp and text. Contact: Text - 020 3322 1860 or live chat at www.survivorsuk.org
Victim Support Scotland: Information and support for victims and witnesses of crime. Contact: 0345 603 9213 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm)
You My Sister: Provides practical and mental health support to female survivors of porn and sex industries. Contact: i@youmysister.org.uk or via their website.
Samaritans: Available to talk about anything that is troubling you, no matter how large or small the issue. You don't have to be suicidal. Call: 116 123 (Lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year)
Breathing Space: Where experienced advisors will listen and offer information and advice. Call: 0800 83 85 87 (Monday-Thursday 6pm to 2am. Weekend: Friday 6pm-Monday 6am)
Edinburgh Nightline is a helpline for students, run by students, operating 8 pm – 8 am every night of term 0131 557 4444