SVLO Handbook

Student Services

Sexual Violence Liaison Officer (SVLO) Service

Handbook Date: 22nd April 2022 Version 1 Review due: 22nd April 2023

Student Services

Contents 1.

Introduction

2.

Who’s Who - Management Structure

3.

The role of the SVLO

4.

General advice on supporting students

5.

Support for SVLOs

6.

Rota

7.

Processes

9.

Policies

9.

Risk Management and Escalation

10.

Student Services

12.

Glossary

16.

Important Contacts

20.

Appendices a.

Rota

b.

SVLO appointment template

c.

SVLO Service Statement & Action Plan

d.

Example Email Template

e.

Example Follow Up Email Template

f.

Example Closure Email Template

g.

Out of Hours Support Leaflet

Introduction Student Services would like to start by thanking you for your willingness to undertake this role. This is not an easy undertaking and we appreciate you all.

The guide has been produced by Student Services with input from a variety of internal and external teams including Wellbeing and Mental Health, Financial Support, the Proctor’s Office, and Residential Living.

This handbook is designed to support SVLOs in their role. The guide is designed to be used online with clickable links to valuable resources.

As well as offering useful guidance that you should employ when working with students, it also makes clear the boundaries between staff and student interactions and when and who to refer certain information to.

The guide also contains details of the support that we will offer you. Please always remember that you are not alone.

The guide cannot document every eventuality or scenario that you may encounter, but hopefully it provides a clear process. If you are in any doubt please always ask one of the team for advice.

We welcome feedback from you about this guide and will endeavour to update it every year with new information, contacts and processes.

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Who’s Who – The Management Structure

Who Barry Brown

Post Proctor

SVLO Service Role Service Manager

SVLO Service Responsibilities Responsibility for the service, risk manager

Contact Email: b.brown@chester.ac.uk Phone: 01244 511 559

Ruth Ryan

Deputy Proctor

Louise Collins Community Liaison Manager (CLM)

Service Coordinator

Coordination of the service and pathway for the elevation of risk issues

Email: r.ryan@chester.ac.uk

Operations Oversight

Line management of the SEPO and Admin Assistant, triage rota and SVLO debrief, SVLO training updates, Service Comms

Email: l.collins@chester.ac.uk

SVLO operations including triage rota, SVLO debrief, case management and case review, SVLO training updates

Email: k.moore@chester.ac.uk Phone: 01244511220

SVLO operations including triage rota, SVLO training updates

Email: a.pennington@chester.ac.uk Phone: 01244 513 948

Katie Moore

Student SVLO Engagement Operations Project Officer (SEPO)

Amber Pennington

Student Support Assistant

2

SVLO Service Admin Assistant

Phone: 01244 511 559

Phone: 01244 511 023

The Role of the SVLO What we expect from you •

A commitment to be part of the SVLO service rota with one three hour duty session per four week period

•

To meet with students whose cases are allocated to you for an initial meeting

•

To arrange follow up via email when required

•

Where students wish you to facilitate referrals to internal and/or external partners or services undertake to complete those referrals during your duty slot or after your follow up contact when the student has reflected on their options

•

Maintain a confidential correspondence in your personal SVLO Operations Teams site channel

•

To attend a mandated same day debriefing after an SVLO student appointment during your duty slot

•

To attend a continuing programme of upskilling and development

•

We expect you to understand risk and the pathways for escalation of risk when training has been provided

•

We expect you to familiarise yourself with the internal and external support services available

•

You must understand and maintain boundaries

•

Be an SVLO buddy to your SVLO buddy

•

Be Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checked. If you are not already DBS checked we will arrange for you to be checked via Human Resources

•

Attend mandatory group supervision once a term

•

Take part in case management reviews with the SVLO Service team

3

General advice on supporting students It is impossible to plan a response to every scenario an SVLO may encounter when supporting a student, but here are some key tips to remember: •

Listen and inform Regardless of what issue the student comes to you about, it is important that you listen to their concerns whilst avoiding any assumptions or being judgmental. The key is to inform students of their options and empower them to take control of their decisions and actions.

•

Remember boundaries You should remember that the student is talking to you in your professional capacity as a member of University staff. You are not expected to, nor should you, deal with serious situations on your own, act as a counsellor for the student, or become personally involved. If you feel the issue goes beyond what you can help with, then be honest with the student and refer them to the SVLO Operations team explaining how they may be in a better position to help.

•

If you are a member of the Students’ Union staff but are part of the SVLO Team you must make this clear to any students that you work with.

•

Data protection It is important to remember that students have a right to request their data, including any notes that you write down.

•

Confidentiality Our service is confidential; however there are rare exceptions where confidentiality will not apply as we always act in the best interests of the student. For more information on confidentiality you can read our Privacy Statement.

There is a link to our Privacy Statement in the Student Statement and Action Plan but you should make the student aware of the statement.

The student will be directed to the Privacy Statement in the confirmation of appointment booking email.

•

Contact out of hours - This advice does not indicate that you are expected to monitor your emails regarding SVLO cases out of hours and we do not encourage conversations out of hours.

We understand there are times you may see an email that is concerning.

If you feel you should respond, then encourage the student to contact Student Services during opening hours. You may also want to signpost the student to our self-help pages 4

on Portal – If you have concern for the safety of the student based on their message, then you should reply suggesting they contact emergency services on 999 if there is a risk to life. (See Appendix G for the Out of Hours leaflet which details Out of Hours Support available.)

If they are in our accommodation you may also want to alert our Porters on 01244 511541 or 01925 534374 as they can initiate the out-of-hours support process.

Support for SVLOs Please remember to take care of yourself and be mindful of the impact that taking disclosures can have on you. There are several ways we support you: Debriefing Debriefing after a student appointment will be mandatory and will take part, as far as possible, within the SVLO’s duty slot.

The Service staff have received training and will be available to debrief you on your appointment during the final half hour of your SVLO duty slot.

Debriefing is the opportunity for: •

You to discuss any impact that the appointment has had on you

•

You to sense check

•

The debriefer to make sure that appropriate processes were followed

•

The debriefer to check that appropriate actions have been taken

•

You to reflect on practice

Supervision Supervision is a specialised form of mentoring provided for people responsible for undertaking challenging work with people. Supervision is provided to ensure standards, enhance quality, advance learning, stimulate creativity, and support the sustainability and resilience of the work being undertaken.

Supervisions will offer you an opportunity to reflect on your practice in the service.

We will be providing termly mandatory group supervisions and these will be lead by professionals with experience of supervisory meetings.

Buddy Scheme You will be allocated an SVLO buddy for informal peer support.

You and your buddy can use your peer relationship to: •

Sense check your SVLO practice

•

Reflect on your SVLO practice and suggest developments

•

Provide support 5

Please note that you should not discuss the personal details of a student involved in a case with your buddy. You can discuss cases but without providing details that may lead to your buddy being able to identify the student victim-survivor.

Counselling If you feel that you would like to access counselling, you can access the Employee Assistance Programme in confidence. We would not expect you to share with us that you have accessed counselling unless you wish to do so.

Human Resources have confirmed that the counselling provided under EAP will be suitable for SVLOs who require it.

Rota •

We require you to commit to a three-hour duty slot in a four-week period. The rota has been designed to minimise the time SVLOs commit to on top of their substantive post

•

We will ask you which duty slot you would prefer, and we will try to accommodate your preference. Monthly spreadsheets will be in the Rota Channel on the SVLO Forum site.

These will be completed in advance by the SVLO team and changes will be updated in the monthly sheet

•

You will be expected to make yourself available for the whole of the duty slot

•

You will not be expected to hold more than one student appointment during the threehour slot. It is expected that this will give you time to prepare to meet the student, meet with the student, make any immediate referrals that the student may wish you to assist with and to complete your summary of the meeting followed by a debriefing

•

If you are unable to make your duty slot you should contact other SVLOs via the SVLO Team site to ask if they could swap duty slots with you and inform the SVLO team once that has been arranged. If you are unable to arrange a swap you must inform the SVLO team as soon as possible who will liaise with the student to reschedule the appointment where necessary

•

If you are absent on sick leave, you must inform the SVLO service team as soon as possible and if the first day of sick leave is on your duty slot day by 9am on the day of your duty slot

•

The structure of the rota can be seen at Appendix A

•

If you have no appointment booked during your duty slot you could use the time to follow up with any cases, undertake any upskilling or research. You will be expected to ring fence your duty slot and be available in case of any cases that come in on the day

6

Processes Case Management Triage and appointment booking •

When a student is referred to the SVLO service they will be initially assessed for any emergency risk by the SVLO service team.

•

If the team identify an immediate risk or there is an emergency a student will be referred into a Student Services Duty appointment or emergency services will be called where appropriate

•

If there is no immediate risk or emergency the team will liaise with the student to book them an appointment with an SVLO if required

•

The triaging officer will log the case on the service log and will open a case file in the SVLOs locked channel

•

The student will be offered information on SVLOs and where possible their preferences (e.g SVLO, location, time) will be met

•

If we cannot meet their preference (e.g. Warrington based SVLO) they will be offered an alternative, but this may mean they have to have an SVLO appointment via Teams or telephone

•

If the student has requested a face-to-face appointment an appropriate confidential space will be booked and details will be provided in the appointment booking email

•

The triaging officer will book an SLVO appointment by sending an email to the student and cc-ing you in. A template booking email giving information on the booking will be used (see Appendix B)

•

A copy of the booking email will be saved in the student’s case file

SVLO Initial Appointment •

You will meet with the student at the time and place arranged (face-to-face, via Teams or on the phone). If the student has requested a Teams meeting you will need to call the student at the appointment time on Teams. If the student does not attend/respond please make one further attempt to contact them. If they still do not respond please inform the on-duty member of the service team.

•

You must inform the student of the confidentiality and limits of confidentiality

•

The SVLO will use the Student Statement and Action Plan (see Appendix C) to undertake the SVLO appointment

•

If the student wishes you to refer them into another service, either internal or external, during the meeting you can assist them during your duty slot

•

You must securely store the Student Statement and Action Plan in the student’s case file

•

You must then email a copy of the Student Statement and Action Plan to the student using the email template for this purpose (see Appendix D)

•

Please remember to follow the Student Statement Action Plan and check off all sections to ensure that all procedures are followed 7

•

If a student would like to go to the SARC the University can arrange a taxi if necessary.

SVLOs should contact the team and they will arrange it

Following Up •

During your appointment you should agree a follow up period with the student (this should be no longer than a week). The student must be made aware that they can contact you earlier if they wish

•

If the student has not contacted you before the agreed date you should send them a follow up email using the Follow Up email template (see Appendix E)

Document Storage •

All case documents must be stored in the case file on your SVLO secure channel

•

Any handwritten notes must be typed up and then saved in the case file on your SVLO secure channel. The original must then be shredded

•

You must save a copy of each email sent and received as part of the case work. This is to ensure that an audit trail is available

Case Closure •

You can close a case when you feel that it has reached a natural conclusion

•

You can also close a case if a student indicates that they want no further action

•

To close a case, you must email the student to inform them that you are proposing to close their case and to ask them that they are happy for you to do so. You should inform them that they can ask you to reopen the case at any time while they are a student of the University. There is an example of a case closure email at Appendix F

•

When you have closed a case, you must add ‘closed’ to the case file name in your SVLO channel and inform the SVLO administrator so that they can update their records

Leaving the SVLO Service If you wish to leave the SVLO Service (for example because you are leaving the University) you must inform the Service Coordinator as soon as possible. We would ask for a minimum of two weeks’ notice to allow us to make administrative changes We will discuss with you whether you would like to inform the reporting student or if you would like the service to notify them.

The Service Coordinator will re-assign any open cases that you hold and your case files will be transferred to the allotted SVLO. Your access to the SVLO Forum team will be removed on an agreed date.

SVLO’s who leave the service are expected to maintain the appropriate confidentiality of cases after their departure from the service. You would be personally liable for any breaches of personal data that are reported by service users.

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Policies The following are a list of University policies that could apply to the work of SVLOs. You are not expected to memorise the policies, but it is useful to know they are there in case you need to bring them to the attention of victim-survivors, or you wish to understand a process.

Dignity and Respect Policy This policy will apply if the case involves a member of staff.

Dignity and Respect Policies for Students in Placements When to refer booklet - A useful guide to referring students into Student Services Student Complaints Procedure This procedure is for use when students wish to make a formal complaint about the University Student Disciplinary Procedure This is the procedure that Proctor’s Office use when students are accused of misconduct Professional Suitability Procedure This is a procedure regarding unprofessional behaviour on the part of students on a course which will result in a professional qualification e.g. nursing, teaching, police, counselling, dietetics etc University safeguarding policy Student Code of Conduct Support for Students Who Are Under 18 Code of Practice Very occasionally a safeguarding concern will be raised about a student who is under 18. This will be rereferred to the Safeguarding team at the University but they may, where appropriate, refer those students into the SVLO service.

Risk Management and Escalation •

We will provide you with training on ascertaining and recognising risk

•

There is a section on risk management of the Student Statement and Action Plan which you can use to prompt you

•

If a student indicates risk, you must escalate the risk to the appropriate senior manager of the service

•

There will be a rota for the SVLO service team which will be made available to you, and you should discuss any risk with the team member on duty that day. If they are not available Student Services has a Duty Manager rota and this will also be made available to you

9

Student Services Please familiarise yourself with the services provided by Student Services. There is a summary of the services below and training will be provided but you can find complete information to use within your cases on Portal at https://portal1.chester.ac.uk/ studentfutures/Pages/default.aspx Support Wellbeing and Mental Health Wellbeing and Mental Health offers students’ practical information, support and advice about any issues that may be affecting their University experience, including tailored support for International Students, Mature Students, Care Leavers, and Carers. If we are not able to help you, we will refer you on to someone who can. The service offers bookable 30-minute appointments that can be either telephone or face to face. Please bear in mind that Wellbeing and Mental Health have a distinct Service Level Agreement and students may have to wait for a response for an appointment dependent on availability.

To book an appointment with Wellbeing and Mental Health for all sites: Telephone: 01244 51 1550 Email: wellbeing@chester.ac.uk Counselling – please remember that if a student has been referred to external services they may access counselling via them. Students should not be offered Counselling at the University if they are already accessing Counselling externally, to avoid any overlap of therapy.

Counselling is a process that enables you to explore and make sense of issues that may be distressing you or disrupting your life. Counsellors work with respect for individuals’ values and beliefs with the aim of offering the greatest opportunity for growth and change.

Please bear in mind that Counselling have a distinct Service Level Agreement and students may have to wait 3-4 working days upon receipt of their referral forms for a response and longer for an appointment dependent on availability.

Telephone: 01244 51 1550 Email: student.counselling@chester.ac.uk Proctor’s Office The University Proctor has responsibility for the investigation of all reports of student misconduct, the management of student complaints against the University and investigates professional suitability issues concerning University of Chester students on courses that lead to registration with a professional body.

• 10

Face to face at our Information Point on the ground floor of Binks CBK005 in Chester and in Martin WMA012 in Warrington.

•

By emailing to universityproctor@chester.ac.uk

•

By telephoning: Chester: 01244 511559 or Warrington 01925 534206

Financial Support Finance Assistance Fund (FAF) The Fund is available to support students in financial hardship to access and remain in higher education.

Specifically, it is used: •

To assist those who need extra financial help to meet costs which are not already being met from statutory (or other) sources of funding

•

To provide emergency payments for unexpected crises.

If the need for financial support is not urgent and a student would like to apply for FAF they can sign up to www.Blackbullion.com and complete the application via the funds section there and submit their evidence through the learning platform.

Victim-survivors can also email infopoint@chester.ac.uk for further information and with any questions they have or if they have any problems with the system.

If there is an emergency financial need SVLOs can forward an Emergency Financial Assistance Fund application to money@chester.ac.uk without having to detail the reason for the application.

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Glossary Alleged perpetrator: This language is often used by the police and criminal prosecution service to refer to the person who is alleged to have committed an act which may constitute a criminal offence. In the University, the language “responding student” will be used instead.

Assault by penetration: In UK laws the offence of “assault by penetration” exists alongside rape and sexual assault, defined as a person intentionally penetrating the vagina or anus of another person with a part of their body or anything else, without the other person’s consent.

This crime has the same sentence as the crime of rape and can be as traumatic and harmful for the victim/survivor as non-consensual penetration with a penis.

Catcalling: When someone shouts harassing and sexually suggestive, threatening, or derisive comments at another person publicly.

Coercion: Persuading someone to do something by using force or threats.

Consent: An agreement between participants to engage in sexual activity. It does not have to be verbal, however verbal agreement can help the parties respect each other’s boundaries. Consent can be withdrawn at any time for any reason and consent can be given but the activity unwanted.

Cyber-violence: Online behaviour that constitutes or leads to harm against the physical, psychological and/or emotional state of an individual or group. It includes stalking, unwanted advances, online harassment, non-consensual sharing of sexual images and non-consensual sharing of private information.

Disclosure: When someone tells another person they have experienced sexual violence.

Domestic abuse: An incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence, financial abuse, and coercive control, in most cases by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer. It is very common. In most cases it is experienced by women and is perpetrated by men. However, men can also be affected by domestic abuse.

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Female genital mutilation: A procedure where the female genitals are deliberately cut, injured, or changed, and there’s no medical reason for this to be done.

Grooming: The process an abuser uses to desensitise someone, to make them less likely to reject or report abusive behaviour. Grooming can happen when there is a power differential within a relationship, which the abuser exploits for their own gratification.

This is most recognised as a tactic used by perpetrators of child sexual abuse and exploitation, both on children and parents. However, adults can also be groomed.

Groping: Touching another person’s body without permission.

Image-based violence (sometimes referred to as ‘revenge porn’): Some victims/survivors find the term “revenge porn” distressing. An umbrella term that includes the non-consensual production of sexual photos or videos (such as “upskirting”) and the distribution of sexual photos or videos of an individual without the consent of the person in the image/video. The images/video may have been shared consensually (see “sexting”).

Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA): Someone who is trained to tailor support to the individual needs of the victim or survivor, provide accurate and impartial information to victims and survivors of sexual violence, provide emotional and practical support to meet the needs of the victim or survivor, provide support before, during and after court, act as a single point of contact, ensure the safety of victims and survivors and their dependants and provide a professional service.

Rape: Rape is legally defined in the UK when a person intentionally penetrates another’s vagina, anus, or mouth with their penis, without the other person’s consent. (See also “assault by penetration”).

Rape culture: A culture in which dominant ideologies, media images, social practices and institutions promote or condone, explicitly or implicitly, the normalisation of sexual violence and victim-blaming. Incidents are ignored, trivialised, normalised and/or made the basis of jokes.

Reporting: When a victim/survivor chooses to make a formal report about an incident of SV to the University and/or the police.

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Reporting student: The student who has made a report of SV. Responding student: The student who is alleged to have carried out the act of alleged SV. Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC): Specialist medical and forensic services for anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted.

Sexting: Sending someone explicit photographs, videos or messages via mobile phone or online platform (when sent consensually, this is not considered SV, however see “Revenge porn” in the Glossary).

Sexual assault: Sexual assault is an act or threat of physical, psychological, and emotional violation in the form of a sexual act, inflicted on someone without their consent. It can involve forcing or manipulating someone to witness or participate any sexual acts.

Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC): A Sexual Assault Referral Centre is a place where anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted can go for specialist medical and forensic services.

Sexual exploitation: Actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, power, or trust, for sexual purposes including but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially, or politically from the sexual exploitation of another.

Sexual harassment: Any unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature which violates your dignity, makes you feel intimidated, degraded, or humiliated, or creates a hostile or offensive environment.

Sexual misconduct: Any unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature that is committed without consent or by force, intimidation, coercion, or manipulation, such as sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, and sexual intimidation.

Sexual violence: Any unwanted sexual act or activity including rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and female genital mutilation.

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Slut-shaming: Criticising a woman for her real or presumed sexual activity or for behaving in ways that one thinks are associated with her real or presumed sexual activity. It can also be used to criticise men.

Stalking: Persistent and unwanted attention that makes you feel pestered and harassed. It includes behaviour that happens two or more times, directed at or towards you by another person, which causes you to feel alarmed or distressed or to fear that violence might be used against you.

Stealthing: When a man removes a condom during sex, without consent, after agreeing to wear one.

Survivor: Someone who has experienced SV (some people prefer this term, or the term “victim”).

Survivor-centred: Prioritising the support and rights of the victim/survivor of sexual violence and misconduct.

Sexual Violence Liaison Officer (SVLO): Staff who have undergone specific, specialist training to enable them to support students who have experienced sexual violence.

Victim: Someone who has experienced SV (some people prefer this term, or the term “survivor”).

Victim-blaming: Blaming the occurrence of sexual assault on the survivor instead of the person who committed the sexual assault. Victim blaming can be very implicit. For example, recommending that one does not wear revealing clothing, travel alone at night, or engage in sexting implies that such actions provoke sexual assault. A non-victim blaming response acknowledges that people make choices to violate the bodily integrity of others, and that they alone are responsible for these choices.

Victim-survivor: Someone who has experienced SV (some people prefer this term)

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Important Contacts University Proctor All campuses excluding Warrington Email: universityproctor@chester.ac.uk Warrington Campus Email: universityproctor.warr@chester.ac.uk Telephone: 01244 511559

Student Assistance Helpline Students can call 0800 028 3766 to speak to a trained counsellor for the following support any time of the day and week.

Student Services https://www1.chester.ac.uk/support/contact

Confidential in-the-moment helpline for any issues impacting on you

Infopoint Telephone: 01244 511550 Email: infopoint@chester.ac.uk

Legal information services including information and signposting for concerns such as landlord and tenant

Wellbeing Telephone: 01244 511550 Email: wellbeing@chester.ac.uk

Debt and financial information including access to long term support via Stepchange

Student Counselling Telephone: 01244 511550 Email: student.counselling@chester.ac.uk Disability & Inclusion Telephone: 01244 511550 Email: disability@chester.ac.uk Financial Support Telephone: 01244 511550 Email: money@chester.ac.uk Accommodation Telephone: 01244 513000 Email: accommodation@chester.ac.uk Porters/Security 01244 511541

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Up to 6 sessions of telephone or online counselling They can also sign up to the wellbeing app My Healthy Advantage(available on all main app stores) which contains features such as: Weekly mood tracker Mini health checks Monthly health plans Please use the code MHA146072 when signing up.



Local Organisations Organisation Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)

Contact Details 01925 221546 https://www.livewell. cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ Services/1776 https://www.stmaryscentre.org/ https://www.stmaryscentre.org/ how-we-can-help-you/i-amsurvivor/i-am-student How to refer into St Mary’s https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=BwF6MPaWux4 Please also see useful Howto Video’s here https://www. youtube.com/results?search_ query=st+mary%27s+sarc University Centre Shrewsbury The Glade 0800 970 0377 www.theglade.org.uk

Information Anonymous details of an incident can be given to a SARC with forensic evidence gathered and emergency sexual health needs addressed.

Decisions about reporting to the Police can be made at a later date and the centre can help with this.

SARC offer forensic and medical care, emotional and psychological support, and practical help to anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted.

Students can refer themselves to a SARC for assessment and medical treatment to prevent STIs and pregnancy. Students can also refer themselves if they are considering reporting to the Police and the centre can arrange an informal talk with a specially trained police officer who can explain what is involved.

https://www.theglade.org.uk/ who-is-it-for/supporter/ The Safe Place Merseyside 0151 295 3550 http://www.safeplacemerseyside. org.uk/

RASASC – Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre

https://www.rapecentre.org.uk/ 01244 907710

RASASC provide support for any adult or child affected by sexual violence.

01905 611655 http://www.wmrsasc.org.uk https://www.rasamerseyside.org/ 0151 558 1801

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Sexual Health Clinics

Cheshire West & Chester Sexual Health Service 0300 247 0020 https://www.thesexualhealthhub. co.uk/services-near-you/cheshirewest-and-chester/ Axess sexual health is the free contraception and sexual health service for Liverpool, Knowsley, Cheshire East, Warrington and Halton 0300 323 1300 https://www.axess.clinic/

Sexual health clinics can provide emergency contraception, test and treat for STIs. Chester Sexual Abuse Support Service 01244 307499 http://csass.org.uk CSASS provide free independent counselling, as well as a telephone support line for any individual aged 18 years asd over who has been affected by any form of rape, sexual abuse or sexual violence.

Severn Fields Health Village, Shrewsbury 0300 123 0994 Wirral Sexual Health 0300 123 5474 https://www.sexualhealthwirral. nhs.uk/support/sexual-abuseassault/2 Police

Call 999 or 101 Or online via https://www.cheshire.police. uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/ rape-sexual-assault-other-sexualoffences/ Online for Merseyside https://www.merseyside.police. uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/im/ rape-sexual-assault-other-sexualoffences-offline/ Online for Shropshire via https://www.westmercia.police. uk/ro/report/ocr/im/reportcrime/

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The Police response will vary depending on how recently the incident has occurred.

Where possible, it will involve the collection of evidence such as clothing and bedding present at the scene. It may also involve an Early Evidence Kit or a forensic medical examination.

Statements will be taken which may include a video statement.

If an assault has taken place recently, it is advised not to: • Wash any part of the body including the hair •

Brush teeth

•

Smoke

•

Eat or drink-including non-essential medication

•

Go to the toilet or discard of any tampons or sanitary towels

•

Remove or wash any clothing worn at the time of the incident or afterwards

•

Tidy up, clean up or remove any items.

National organisations Organisation

Contact Details

Information

Galop

0800 999 5428 http://www.galop.org.uk/

For LGBT+ people who have experienced hate crime, sexual violence or domestic abuse.

Survivors UK

0845 122 1201 (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 7-10pm) https://www.survivorsuk.org/

Support for male survivors.

Women’s Aid

0808 2000 247 https://www.womensaid.org.uk/

National domestic violence charity who work to end violence against women and children.

Samaritans

116 123 https://www.samaritans.org/

The Samaritans offer a safe place to talk any time and can help explore options, understand problems better or just be there to listen.

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Appendix A Week 1 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Week 2 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Week 3 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Week 4 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 20

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

10:00 - 13:00

14:00 - 17:00

Monday

Tuesday

14:00 - 17:00

Wednesday

Tuesday

14:00 - 17:00

Wednesday

9:30 - 12:30

Thursday

Friday

10:00 - 13:00

10:00 - 13:00

Thursday

Friday

10:00 - 13:00

10:00 - 13:00

Thursday

Friday

10:00 - 13:00

10:00 - 13:00

14:00 - 17:00

Tuesday

Wednesday

10:00 - 13:00

14:00 - 17:00

10:00 - 13:00

14:00 - 17:00

10:00 - 13:00

Monday

Friday

14:00 - 17:00

10:00 - 13:00

Monday

Thursday

14:00 - 17:00

Appendix B

Blank SVLO appointment template to be sent via email to the student and the allcoated SVLO to be cc-d in Complete the template below:

Name: ID Number: Contact Tel No: Date booked: Tel, F2F or Teams meeting: Which room:

Staff Initials: •

How did the student contact us: Tel • Email •Came in. Report A Concern

•

Who referred the student: Self • PAT etc.

•

Student studying at which campus: Chester . Warrington . Shrewsbury

*Don’t forget* Face to face then book room.

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Appendix C

Student Statement & Action Plan

Date

Start Time

Please click this link to access our Privacy Notice. Please let us know within two working days if you have any concerns about this statement

Finish Time

SVLO name and contact details: Location of appointment: Details of others attending appointment and relationship to student: Details of anyone else student has spoken with regarding incident:

Student Statement

22

•

The purpose of this meeting is to gather enough information to be able to facilitate support and explore options – we do not require a detailed summary of the incident.

•

The statement of disclosure will be recorded word for word, to ensure accuracy.

•

This discussion is student-led, and the student will not be expected to share any information they do not wish to provide.

•

General discussion may explore: •

Date of incident - Who was present during incident

•

Place of incident - Basic information regarding what took place

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Agreed Actions

By whom

1.

2.

3.

4.

Agreed follow up:

Keeping yourself safe What risk concerns were reported / identified?

(N.B. SVLO – if no risk reported, please record as none reported)

The actions you report that keep yourself safe at this time:

SVLO recommended actions:

24

By when

Self Help Resources (Click to access website)

25

If you are feeling very distressed, having thoughts of self-harm or suicide and need immediate help because you cannot keep yourself safe: •

Please contact your GP surgery and request an emergency appointment

•

If it is outside of GP hours go to your nearest A&E Department or call 999

SVLO Checklist Risk Assessment

Explained support options (Please tick all that apply): Police, 101 / 999 Proctor’s Office Sexual Health Clinics, 5 days for contraception, GP support Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) Specialist counselling (RASASC and CSASS) National support helplines Online self-help leaflets Student Services: Wellbeing and Mental Health, Counselling, Disability and Inclusion Academic (Please tick all that apply): Department updates (PAT) Extension, Deferral, Mitigating Circumstances processes

Financial Support

26



(Please tick all that apply to this appointment)

Confidentiality statement

Accommodation

In case of emergency

Appendix D

SVLO Student Statement and Action Plan email template red text is an example of editable, case specific details.

Thank you for talking with me today. I do understand that it would have been difficult for you to speak with someone that you do not know and I hope that it helped a little. I am sorry to hear that you are having to manage so many painful issues at this time and hope that you reach out to use the support that I mentioned when we spoke.

I have made the referral for you with RASAC and they will contact you as soon as they can. There may be a short delay in you being contacted but please do not worry about this as it is normal.

I have attached the action plan to my email as agreed and this has the contact details of the support I mentioned. Please read through it and if there are any details that you think need amending please let me know. I have also attached a document on out of hours support that has contact details for support as well.

I have attached two leaflets that have information about specialist support and a self-care guide for you to look at and use. I hope that they are helpful.

You said that you work part time due to finances not being enough for you to live on and I mentioned the financial assistance fund - https://portal1.chester. ac.uk/studentsupport/Pages/financial-support-financial-hardship.aspx is the link to information about this. You have to register with Blackbullion to make the application on that platform in the funding section.

I am mindful that I am giving you a lot of information and ask that you work with support for your immediate issues first.

I will call you tomorrow at 2pm as agreed and this is to have a catch up and to see how your night went. We will also look at ways that you could manage the weekend.

You take care and do reach out for support when you need it.

Kind regards,

27

Appendix E

Examples of Follow Up Emails A. I thought that I would email you to see how you are getting on since we last had contact. I know that you were still unsure what action to take after your initial meeting with Sarah, Deputy Proctor, and that this was causing you stress. I hope that you have been able to decide what would be best for you.

How are you? Have you now got your appetite back and able to sleep a little better? Could you email me to let me know how you are getting on?

You asked about Counselling and we do have a counselling service at the University but this would be for general counselling. If you are to take your case forward with the Police I would ask that you seek guidance regarding the type of counselling that you engage with. There are specialist counsellors at CSASS and RASASC that can do pre-trial counselling. If you are not going to pursue the matter with the Police then general counselling would be ok at this time.

If you do pursue a police report University counsellors can offer support for the impacts of any outcome of any report to the police. For example, if you have anxiety related to the outcome of the investigation counsellors could provide support with the anxiety but would not be able to discuss the incident.

To engage with the university counsellor you should email student.counselling@chester.ac.uk Student Wellbeing Advisors in Student Services can also provide support with any impacts that the incident may have on your wellbeing and you can contact them via: Telephone: 01244 51 1550 Monday - Friday 10am – 4pm Email: wellbeing@chester.ac.uk Do let me know if you would like to have a follow up call with me, or have any questions or concerns.

You take care and I look forward to hearing from you Kind regards,

B. I just wanted to check in with you to see how you are getting on. How was the weekend for you? I hope that you managed to get some rest and sleep. I am aware that the Deputy Proctor is to contact you to arrange an appointment to discuss your options. If you have any questions for me once you have spoken with Sarah then please do feel free to contact me.

I will continue to email you to check in to see how you are getting on. If at any time you would like to have a follow up call then please do let me know and I will arrange this for you.

You take care and I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards

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Appendix F

Example Case Closure Email I hope that you are doing OK and that you have found the support available of help.

As you have taken the actions that we discussed and you are now….I would like to close your case.

Please could you confirm that you are happy with that course of action?

You can contact me at any time concerning this case to ask that we re-open the case if you feel it necessary while you are still a student at the University.

I will check in with you at the beginning of the new academic year to see how you are getting on if that’s OK. Kind regards,

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Appendix G

Out of hours support support For students living in University accommodation: For students living in University accommodation: Chester Porters: 01244 511541 Chester Porters: 01244 511541 Warrington Porters: 01925 534374 Warrington Porters: 01925 534374 UCS Concierge: UCS Concierge: 01743 01743 233177 233177 // 07890 07890 562364 562364

IfIfyou feelingvery very you are are feeling distressed, havingthoughts thoughts distressed, having of self-harm or suicide and need of self-harm or suicide immediate help because you and need immediate help cannot keep because youyourself cannot safe: keep yourself safe: • Contact your GP surgery

and request • Contact youran GPemergency surgery appointment and request an emergency • appointment If it is outside of GP go to your nearest • Ifhours, it is outside of GP hours, go Accident and Emergency to your nearest Accident and DepartmentDepartment or call 999 or Emergency • call Text999 SHOUT to 85258 for 24/7 text to based crisis • Text SHOUT 85258 support. for 24/7 text based crisis support

If Ifyou helporor youneed needmedical medical help crisis notaalifelifecrisisadvice advice but but ititisisnot threatening situation: situation: threatening Use theStudent NHS advice service • •Call our Assistance by telephoning Helpline on 0800111 028 3766 now confidential, •forSamaritans is ain-the-moment listening support from an experienced service available 24/7. therapist or adviser Telephone: 116 123who will offer friendly, non-judgemental •support.

Papyrus Young Suicide Prevention support is • Use the NHS advice service by available 10am – 10pm, telephoning 111 Monday to Friday and 2pm – 10pm weekends.

• Samaritans is aatlistening service Telephone: 0800 068 4141116 available 24/7.

Telephone: •123 Text SHOUT to 85258 for 24/7 text basedSuicide crisis support • Papyrus Young Prevention support available • Explore the Hub ofisHope 10am – 10pm, Monday to Friday directory of local services. and 2pm – 10pm at weekends.

Telephone: 0800 068 4141 • Text SHOUT to 85258 for 24/7 text based crisis support

Support

IfIfyou preferto toself-manage self-manage you prefer and notan anemergency: emergency: and it it is not •• Access health button Sign upthe to Togetherall (heart icon)University on your email using your University Chester address to of access a safeapp to explore articles activities community andand a range to yourcourses wellbeing ofsupport self-guided to support your mental health • Access support from Space.

Forbutton support • Student Access the health by phone, (heart icon)text on message, your webchat orof email University Chester app to explore articles and activities • Wellbeing and Mental to support your wellbeing Health Portal pages contain andfrom advice on a • information Access support wide variety of topics.

Student Space.

For support by phone, text message, webchat or email

• Wellbeing and Mental Health Portal pages contain information and advice on a wide variety of topics.

• Explore the Hub of Hope

directory of local services.

Chester based students: • Local 24/7 NHS mental health crisis line: 0800 145 6485 • Contact Cafe 71 (crisis space) on 01244 393139, to attend between 10am – midnight.

Shrewsbury based • Contact Cafe 71students: (crisis space) on 01244 393139, to attend between 10am – midnight.

•Warrington Local NHS mental health crisis line: 0808 196 4501 based students: •• Contact Calmer Café, Mon-Fri 9am – 5pm, 01743 368647 Local 24/7 NHS mental health crisis line:on0800 051 1508.to attend 6pm -10pm Mon, Wed, Fri and Sat. Shrewsbury based students: • Local 24/7 NHS mental health crisis line: 0808 196 4501 ToCalmer report Covid-19: covidstudent@chester.ac.uk • Contact Café,symptoms Mon-Fri 9am –of 5pm, on 01743 368647 to attend 6pm -10pm Mon, Wed, Fri and Sat.

Student Services

30

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Warrington based students: Chester based students: •• Local 24/7 NHS mental crisis line: 0800 051145 1508.

Local 24/7 NHS mentalhealth health crisis line: 0800 6485