Friday 23-04-2021 - 17:13

Content Warning – Mentions of rape

This week, there has been widespread distress across social media, relating to the supposed TikTok trend of 24^th April being ‘Rape Day’. News reports suggest that it is a hoax as there’s no evidence for where it has originated, however, this does not diminish the impact it will have had on individuals.

We recognise that throughout universities and wider society, there is a distinct lack of policy and action to support those affected by such circumstances. UCSU is committed to working with the University of Cumbria and its communities to address this.

We take this opportunity to launch our campaign 'Expect Respect', which aims to increase safety measures across all campuses and halls of residences; implement policies to fully protect victims and reporters of incidents; and provide training sessions and educational activities for all staff & students.

The campaign is being run by students from all campuses with the support of UCSU & UOC staff. If you would like to be involved, please contact molly.mcconnell2@cumbria.ac.uk.

UCSU does not tolerate abuse or harassment in any form. If you have been affected by this, you can call 101 to report the incident to the police and always 999 in an emergency.

The university also has services available to you. These can be found through your Student Hub App or by heading directly to the Health and Wellbeing page.

If you require further support, please see the links below organised by location:

National:

• Victim Support - A national charity dedicated to helping anyone affected by crime – not just victims and witnesses, but friends, family and anyone else caught up in the aftermath
• Rape Crisis - A national charity offering confidential help, advice and a range of Rape Crisis Centres around the UK
• Galop - A national charity providing advice and support to members of the LGBT community
• Survivors UK - A national charity supporting men who have been raped or sexually assaulted
• Crimestoppers - A national charity with a free helpline for reporting crime anonymously
• Refuge - Refuge supports women, children and men with a range of services, including refuges, independent advocacy, community outreach and culturally specific services
• Women's Aid - Women’s Aid is a national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children
• Men's Advice Line - Confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic violence from a partner or ex-partner (or from other family members)
• Mind - advice and support for those struggling with their mental health
• Samaritans - 24hr helpline and other forms of communication for mental health support

Cumbria:

• Cumbria Police - lots of specific support, advice and signposting through their Advice Centre
• Cumbria Together – support for those affected by crime
• The Bridgeway - sexual assault support service
• The Birchall Trust - Counselling Survivors of Rape and Sexual Abuse in South Cumbria and North Lancashire

Lancashire:

• Lancashire Police – lots of specific support, advice and signposting on their Help & Advice page
• Lancashire Victim Services - support for victims of crime
• SAFE Centre - provides forensic examinations, advice and comprehensive support services
• The Birchall Trust - Counselling Survivors of Rape and Sexual Abuse in South Cumbria and North Lancashire

London:

• Metropolitan Police - lots of specific support, advice and signposting on their Advice and Information page
• The Havens - specialist centres in London for people who have been raped or sexually assaulted