Prevention & support
The University has invested in a number of initiatives to prevent harassment and sexual misconduct and to support staff who have experienced harassment and sexual misconduct.
Preventing the risks from lone working and working with alcohol
The Equality and Human Rights Commission highlights certain working arrangements that may increase the likelihood of sexual harassment. These arrangements include lone working and working in an environment where alcohol is available.
Information on the preventative steps that should be taken when staff are lone working or working in environments where alcohol is served, as well as supporting resources to help staff take those steps, is available here.
Internal sources of support
Dignity at Work
Dignity at Work Contacts provide confidential advice to those who feel that they are experiencing difficult working relationships, including bullying or harassment. If you would like to talk confidentially to a Dignity at Work Contact, arrangements can be made by emailing dignitycontacts@admin.cam.ac.uk.
University Counselling Service
The Staff Counselling Service is available free of charge to all staff who hold a University contract of employment: academic, academic-related, assistant, research and technical. The Service is staffed by professionally accredited, and widely experienced Staff Counsellors. All are used to helping people from many different backgrounds and cultures and with a wide range of personal issues.
Wellbeing Advocates
The University is committed to providing a healthy and fulfilling working environment and improving the quality of working lives for all staff. A network of Wellbeing Advocates, supported by the HR Division, has been established to address key issues. The trained voluntary advocates will offer information on local and University-wide wellbeing activities and act as a resource for individuals experiencing mental health and wellbeing challenges, directing them to appropriate staff support services.
External sources of support
Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre
Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre primarily offers support to women and girls who have experienced rape, childhood sexual abuse or any other form of sexual violence.
Their counselling service is also available for survivors of rape, child sexual abuse or any form of sexual violence of any age (children aged 5 years and over) and gender.
- The Helpline is open two times a week, on Wednesday 7:00pm to 9:30pm and Sunday 10am to 12:30pm.
- Their email support service is available at support@cambridgerapecrisis.org.uk and they aim to respond within 15 days.
- Their Independent Sexual Violence Advocate service supports anyone, any age, gender or background, who has experienced sexual violence. They can also support through the criminal justice system if wanted.
They also provide advice for family, friends and professionals who are supporting a survivor.
Cambridge Women's Aid
Cambridge Women's Aid provides dedicated and specialist services to women and children affected by domestic abuse.
The Samaritans
The Samaritans offer a safe place to talk at any time.
- Email: jo@samaritans.org
- Telephone: 116 123
Safeline
Safeline is a specialist charity that works to prevent sexual violence and abuse and support those affected to cope and recover.
Their services are available to anyone aged 3 plus.
- Telephone: 01926 402 498. Their helpline is open from Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm.
National Male Survivor Helpline & Online Support
This is a dedicated service offered by Safeline for men and boys in England and Wales affected by sexual violence and abuse and those who support them.
- Telephone: 0808 800 5005. Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 8:00pm and Saturday and Sunday, 10:00am to 2:00pm.
- Text service: 07860 065187
- Email: support@safeline.org.uk
Survivors UK
Survivors UK provide helpful advice and resources for victims of male rape and sexual abuse. They are based in London.
- Telephone: 0203 598 3898