Gender Based Violence
The Student Union has created this support section for women who are experiencing gender based violence. A wide range of specialist services, organisations and helplines exist and we have brought them together in this resource to help you find the resource you need.
Our Union works in partnership with the University and other support organisations to help students get the best support for their needs. If you want to speak to one of our advice workers, please email advice@uwsunion.org.uk.
You can also get support from the University. If you wish to access university help please contact
hub@uws.ac.uk or call 0141 848 3800
Consent
Sexual consent refers to someone willingly agreeing to have sex or engage in a sexual activity. To give consent, the person must be able to make their own decisions. Someone who is incapacitated through alcohol or drugs, or who is asleep or unconscious, cannot give consent to sexual activity.
Consent to engage in one form of sexual activity does not mean that a person has given consent to all forms of sexual activity. Consent can be withdrawn at any time and where someone has consented to sexual activity once this does not mean that he or she has consented to this activity in the future.
Making sure you have consent before having any kind of sex with another person is very important as sexual activity without consent is rape or sexual assault.
Support Contacts
Immediate Danger/Harm & Suicide
If you are at immediate risk of harming yourself or of someone else harming you, please do not hesitate to dial 999. Police Scotland remain committed to tackling GBV throughout this pandemic and beyond.
If you are experiencing suicidal feelings or thoughts, or are thinking of ending your life, take a moment to pause. There is always a way out of whatever you are experiencing and there are people ready and waiting to help you. Reach out to them now:
- Call the Samaritans free any time, from any phone on 116 123 UK-wide GBV
- The Survivors’ Trust (anywhere in UK) on 08088 010 818 Monday -Thursday 10am - 6pm Fri 10am - 2pm
UK-wide GBV
Scotland GBV organisations:
England GBV Organisations:
Rape Crisis services:
- Women’s Aid – including Live Chat, email, the Survivors Forum and local services
- Men’s Advice Line – a confidential helpline, email and webchat service for male victims of domestic abuse: 0808 801 0327
- SARCS - The NHS Scotland sexual assault self-referral phone service can help to arrange care for you in the days following a rape or sexual assault. The service may be able to arrange for you to have a forensic medical examination (FME) at a SARCS without making a report to the police.
Northern Ireland GBV:
The 24 hr Domestic and Sexual Abuse helpline is open to women and men affected by
domestic abuse or violence. This free telephone service is available 24 hours a day, 365
days a year:
Wales GBV:
The Live Fear Free helpline provides advice, support and referrals 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week, 365 days a year to anyone affected by violence against women, domestic abuse or
sexual violence in Wales. You can contact the Live Fear Free Helpline on:
- Telephone: 0808 80 10 800
- Live Chat Service: gov.wales/live-fear-free
- Text: 078600 77 333
- Email: info@livefearfreehelpline.wales
- Local services: www.welshwomensaid.org.uk/information-and-support/find-yourlocal-service/
LGBTQI GBV:
Galop (UK) 24 hr LGBTQI* domestic and sexual violence helpline 0800 999 5428
Stalking & cyberstalking:
If you have or are experiencing stalking/cyberstalking, or potential stalking/cyberstalking:
Revenge Pornography:
Mental and Emotional Health:
- Samaritans on 116 123 – free from any phone, any time
- Young Minds Crisis Messenger TEXT YM to 85258 - 24 hrs/day, 365 days a year
- Breathing Space - Helpline number: 0800 83 85 87
- Weekdays: Monday-Thursday 6pm to 2am
- Weekend: Friday 6pm - Monday 6am
- Saneline (UK) –text and email service
- Women’s Aid Survivors’ Forum (UK)