Students’ Union UCL has launched a new initiative to support any student who has experienced sexual violence or gender-based abuse at any time in their lives.
The Sexual Violence Liason Officer Service gives students more options and greater access to support, whether an experience was recent or in the past, on campus or off campus. Students’ Union UCL recognises that everyone’s experience is different and aims to provide confidential, non-judgmental support for all students.
Some students may be in crisis right now, experiencing abuse in the moment, or coping with a one-off incident. Others may be considering disclosing something that happened months or years ago. The Students’ Union UCL SVLOs are here to ensure students can access support, whatever their circumstances.
A safe and confidential support service
The Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (SVLOs) work in the Students’ Union Advice Service within the Harm and Prevention Team. They are specially trained to support students experiencing sexual violence, harassment, or unwanted behaviour. SVLOs guide students through their options confidentially, without judgement, and help them access the right resources, support, and information.
Contacting an SVLO does not require making a report or a formal complaint to UCL. The service is confidential and independent from the university, though SVLOs can provide guidance on reporting processes if students wish.
Nothing shared with an SVLO is passed on without full consent. Except in cases of exceptional risk to the safety of the student or others, SVLOs will never share disclosures without permission. This ensures that students can access support safely, whatever their circumstances.
Students do not need to have all the answers, be able to name what happened, or decide what to do next before contacting an SVLO. The service provides a safe, confidential space where students can be heard, explore support options, and take the next steps at their own pace.
With consent, SVLOs can support students with:
- Practical matters, such as academic adjustments, housing arrangements, or other concerns
- Understanding UCL’s reporting processes, only if they choose
- Referrals to counselling and specialist services
Preventing harm
This initiative builds on specialist support already available at UCL, providing students with additional ways to access help if they are experiencing sexual violence or harassment.
Students can access Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) within the SRS Casework Team, who provide confidential advice and guidance on formal disciplinary processes, working alongside the Crime Prevention & Personal Safety Team.
Students can also receive support from the Specialist Advice and Casework Services Team, based within Student Support and Wellbeing Services. This team specialises in supporting students who have experienced sexual violence, domestic abuse, or harassment, providing non-judgemental advice on disclosing experiences, safety planning, and navigating police, court, and housing systems.
The team liaises with internal and external services and can make referrals to counselling and other specialist support. Where needed, they also make safeguarding referrals to support students, children, or vulnerable adults affected by abuse. They can assist students in liaising with their department if academic life has been impacted.
Commitment to safety
Sexual violence, harassment, and gender-based abuse continue to impact many across the UCL community. Students’ Union UCL wants to ensure that every student knows they will be listened to, believed, and supported when accessing this service.
- Hana Mougharbel, Welfare and Community Officer
What’s next?
If anyone is in immediate danger or at immediate risk of harm to themselves or other then you should call the emergency services on 999 or UCL Security on +44 (0)20 7679 2222. If this is not the case, then the steps below should be followed.
If a student tells you about an experience of sexual violence or gender-based violence, remember that your role is to listen and support, not to investigate. Your immediate response:
- Listen actively and calmly, allow the student to speak at their own pace.
- Acknowledge what they’ve shared, thank them for trusting you.
- Avoid judgement or probing for details, you don’t need to know everything to offer support.
- Reassure them, let them know they’re not alone and that support is available.
- Take factual notes once the conversation has ended, keep a clear, verbatim record.
Refer them onto the SVLO service at the Students’ Union or the Specialist Advice and Casework Team , based within Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
Remember: Students can contact an SVLO at any time. Your role is to provide a safe, supportive environment and guide them to the appropriate service.
- University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT (0) 20 7679 2000