What support is available?
If you think you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or raped there is a variety of support options available to both students and staff.
If you are a student:
AUB's Sexual Misconduct Adviser (SMA) – Based in AUB Student Services, the SMA’s role is to offer support and guidance to students who have experienced sexual misconduct. They offer a safe space to discuss concerns, explain available options, including the reporting processes and accessing support services both within AUB and externally.
Whether you are a student who has experienced sexual misconduct recently or in the past they are here to listen and assist without judgement. Appointments can be made using the link here.
You can contact our support services on studentadvice@aub.ac.uk or phone 01202 363780 or you can book an appointment with for Student Services – AUB – Arts University Bournemouth through AUB Bookings.
AUB’s Wellbeing Service can offer confidential advice and guidance with any issue which impacts on your physical, psychological or emotional wellbeing. Our Wellbeing Officers have been trained to manage disclosures of sexual assault and will help identify practical strategies for managing your situation, including how to access relevant community services.
AUB’s Counselling Service is student focused and offers single therapeutic sessions for one hour booked on a session by session basis. The service adheres to the key theoretical principles of the person centred approach as its foundation; putting you in the centre of the counselling relationship. Counsellors will be genuine and non-judgemental, use advanced skills in listening and empathy and will be fully accepting of you and whatever issues you bring to the counselling session. You can request to see a male or female counsellor.
University Front Room: This is a safe, confidential space for students only and is open 2pm-8.30pm Mon-Sat (during term time). The University Front Room is a safe, confidential, drop-in service for students over the age of 18 from Arts University Bournemouth, HSU University or Bournemouth University who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Located in the temporary building next to the crossing between Talbot House and the back of Fusion Building (BU campus). How to get from AUB Student Services to The Retreat, see this video .
Mitigating Circumstances. If you feel your studies have been affected by what has happened you can consider applying for mitigating circumstances. Our Wellbeing Officers or Counselling Service can support you to apply for mitigation.
If you are a member of staff:
Employee Assistance Programme - A confidential 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, service is provided by AXA ICAS, offering free and independent expert advice and information to AUB staff and their families.
HR: Your HR partner will be able to identify the support that’s available for you, including providing information about support available via your Trade Union.
External Services and Support
We understand that if you're experiencing particular challenges, you may want to talk to someone but might not be ready to meet with a member of AUB’s community. There are lots of organisations and charities available that can offer you a range of options to make sure that you can still find the help you want.
The Shores is Dorset’s dedicated Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) providing a 24/7, 365 days a year , free, safe, and confidential service to men, women and children who have been raped or sexually assaulted, recently or non-recent.
They provide medical advice, sexual health screening, emergency contraception and forensic medical examination. The Shores routinely keeps forensic evidence on-site for 2 years which removes the immediate pressure of deciding whether you wish to report the assault to the Police. This service is located in Madeira Road, Bournemouth and is separate and independent from the Police. Reports can be anonymous. The Shores have a 24-hour support line 0800 970 9954.
Stars (Sexual Trauma and Recovery Service, formerly Dorset Rape Crisis Support Centre) is a charity run for men, women and young people over 16 who have been raped or sexually abused. They offer support through the criminal justice process and also provide counselling support.
The Survivors Trust provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated forensic, counselling and aftercare service to men, women and children who have experienced rape or sexual assault, whether this has happened recently or in the past.
Rape Crisis is a confidential support service run by women for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused.
Galop is a charity that supports lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and queer people affected by sexual violence.
The Samaritans - To speak to someone in confidence, the Samaritans are available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week on 08457 909090 or 116 123 (free from mobiles and landlines). You can also email jo@samaritans.org.