Getting Support
It is important to speak to someone soon after an incident occurs so that you can get help, support and advice. You are not alone. Advisors in Student Services are available to support each student face-to-face to explore your options moving forwards.
Disclosing and Reporting an Incident
Disclosing and reporting an incident of sexual violence, harassment and misconduct are 2 different actions.
Disclosing - following an incident you may choose to tell a trusted person such as your family or friend, or Doctor, or somebody who is part of the University about the incident. A Disclosure does not automatically result in a report, and you can disclose an incident to someone without this going any further. If you disclose something to a staff member at the University, they will respect your right to choose what to do next.
Reporting - this is where you share information either with the Police or a member of University Staff in a more formal way (e.g. through a formal statement) for the purpose of initiating an investigation into the incident.
If you would like to speak with someone for support and find out more information, students can attend a drop in session for an initial discussion with a trained adviser. Bill Stronach, Louise Gill and Sophie MacLeod are available Monday to Friday, 9.30-4.30pm. For enquiries call 0131 474 0000 and ask for 'Student Services'.
What to do in an Emergency or Crisis
If an incident has happened on campus, contact Security on 2222 (internal campus phone) alternatively dial 0131 474 0000, ask for Security.
If an incident has happened off campus, call Police on 101 or 999, call an ambulance on 999 or NHS24 on 111.
Further Support and Advice on What to do Next:
Rape Crisis Scotland helpline: 08088 01 03 02
East Lothian Sexual Abuse Service
NHS Support After Sexual Assault/Violence/Rape
Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline Helpline: 08000271234
Safer Families Edinburgh Tel: 0131 469 5325
Womens Aid East Lothian and Mid Lothian, Trained support workers available in locations Dalkeith, Penicuik and Musselburgh. Refuge accommodation available.
Scottish Women’s Rights Centre legal service for sexual harassment: for legal information about a case of sexual harassment, call their helpline on: 08088 010 789, open every Thursday, 5pm to 8pm.
LGBT Health and Wellbeing helpline 0300 1232523
Shakti Women’s Aid - Edinburgh 0131 4752399, Fife 01383 732 289, Dundee 01382 207095, Forth Valley 07757035794.
Health in Mind Pathway service for survivors of male sexual abuse 0131 225 8508
Abused Men in Scotland: 0808 800 0024.
Survivors UK for survivors of male sexual abuse 020 35983898.
Hemat Gryffe Women's Aid for BAME (Black and Asian Minority Ethnic women) 0141 353 0859.
If you are thinking of reporting an incident to the Police, please see further Rape Crisis Scotland information under Frequently Asked Questions or contact Victim Support Scotland's Helpline on 0800 160 1985 8am-8pm Monday - Friday.
