University of Nottingham Sexual Violence Liaison Officer (SVLO) Service
The SVLO service supports students who have experienced sexual violence and abuse. Whether this has happened at university or away from Nottingham or happened recently or in the past, you will still be able to access this support.
The University of Nottingham is committed to promoting and providing a safe and respectful environment for every member of its community.
We understand that seeking advice and support for sexual violence can be a very difficult and personal decision. This is why we have established a specialised support service for students who have experienced sexual violence.
What is Sexual Violence?
Sexual violence is any kind of sexual activity or act (including online) that was unwanted which also means without consent. Consent means agreeing to something by choice and having the freedom and capacity to make that choice.
What is a Sexual Violence Liaison Officer and how can they help?
SVLOs are university staff who have undergone specific, specialist training to enable them to support students who have experienced sexual violence.
SVLOs will listen empathetically without judgement. You can share as much or as little as you want to about what has happened. They will talk to you about support available and discuss reporting options to give you the information to decide what is right for you. SVLOs can also liaise with external organisations and other university staff on your behalf. If you choose to report what has happened the Police or to proceed with a university investigation SVLOs can support you through these processes. If you choose not to do this or don't know yet if you want to, you can still receive support.
If you are not sure what has happened to you (for example, whether you have been sexually assaulted) it may be helpful to access the service and talk to an SVLO.
Who are our SVLOs?
Out SVLO are members of university staff, mainly in our Wellbeing Teams, who have had additional specialist training. The service is managed by the Report and Support Team, who are also SVLOs.
How do I contact the service?
You can complete the form on Report and Support and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible. By completing the form you are not making a formal report to the university.
Please note Report and Support is monitored during university working hours. If you need to speak to someone urgently please contact the Police, Topaz or University Security (please see contact information below).
How confidential is the service?
The service will keep information you disclose confidential, however, if you share information that suggests that you or someone else is at risk of significant harm, we may have to take safeguarding measures. We will discuss this with you further at the beginning of the SVLO appointment.
Your information is stored in the Report and Support database and kept in line with university's information retention policies. If required, with your consent, we can share the information with university staff or police investigating any report you might decide to make.
What happens when I access the SVLO service?
1. To access the service, you will find need to complete the form on Report and Support If you wish to access SVLO support please use the ‘Report with Contact Details’ option.
2. You will be contacted by a member of staff in the Report and Support team who will ask you if you would like to talk to an SVLO. The SVLO will then make contact with you to book an appointment. This can be either in person or via MS teams, whatever you would prefer.
3. Your SVLO will discuss support available to you (University and external specialist services). They will also explain the reporting options available to you both within the university and externally. Support will be offered regardless of whether you choose to report or not.
4. If there are concerns about your safety or the safety of others, these will be considered carefully, and safeguarding measures will be discussed with you.
5. The SVLO will produce written documentation of the disclosure, which will be stored confidentially.
6. A follow up appointment will be made if required.
Reports involving members of staff
If you are a student and you are reporting a staff member then this will go to the Report and Support Student Team. They will liaise with the HR Team who would lead any staff related investigation but you will still be offered SVLO support.
Where can I go for additional help?
Information on other local and national services can be found here
You can also find more information on the University's Lets be Clear on Consent webpage