What is the Survivor Support Group?
The survivor support group is a calm, enjoyable space for students to connect with others who have a shared experience of SGBV.
It is not group councilling or therapy, there is no expectation to share anything. It is just somewhere for survivors to feel safe and not alone.
There are drinks, snacks, and calming acivities. You can feel free enage as much or as little as you like, if you'd like to use the group as a safe space to sit by yourself that's okay.
Who is it for?
It's for any students who are survivors/victims of any form of sexual/gender based violence, including harrassment, assault, or rape.
This includes recent survivors, those with past or historic experiences, and those with experience or currently living with domestic violence.
The group is inclusive of all sexualities and genders, including queer and trans/ non-binary, and male/masc students.
You can bring along a friend or partner with you if you would feel more comfortable.
Who leads the group?
The group is lead by Leyla, who the SU have hired externally to facilitate the group. Leyla has a range of qualifications and experiences relevent to mental health and wellbeing, and whilst this group is not a group theraputic space she is availible to support the welfare and safeguarding of everyone involved.
Leyla is supported by Farrah, who leads the Enough is Enough project within the SU and is a trained Sexual Violence Liasion Officer (SLVO). She is availible to provide information on support and report tools within and external to SOAS.
If I join once, have I committed myself to joining all the time?
No not at all, if you miss a few days or decide it's not for you that's absolutely fine. Please just let Farrah know (su-consent@soas.ac.uk) or she may reach out, just to check you're doing okay. But there's never any pressure or expectation to attend.
How do I join?
The first time we meet will be March 18th in B101 at 5pm, feel free to turn up and see if you like the space. You can also email su-consent@soas.ac.uk if you have any questions or concerns, or if you want to know when the next session will be. Currently the project is very new, and the plan is to meet for 2hrs once a month, although depending on student interest this may only be within term time.
The project will be led by student feedback throughout the early stages, so if there's any barriers to you attending (such as the timing, the space, etc) please just let us know and we can consider this when making any future changes.
External Support Services
SARCs (Sexual Assault Referal Centres)
SARC's offer support services for women, men and children who have been raped or sexually assaulted. It is free and confidential and offers: special support for young people, examinations to collect evidence of rape or sexual assault and testing for sexually transmitted infections and HIV. It also provides specialist theraputic aftercare such as Counselling, Psychology and ISVA support.
You can find the one nearest to you on the NHS Website here
The closest SARC to SOAS is The Havens- Whitechapel.
They are availible 24hrs to call here: 020 3299 6900
Approximate travel times (from Google Maps, last updated 04/03/24)
Bus only - 55mins
Car only - 33mins
Tube only - 26mins (Elizabeth Line)
What other resources are there for me?
Other specialist services local to SOAS include GALOP and 56 Dean Street. For men and anyone who feels their gender is a barrier to support services, we recommend Survivors UK.
Helpful links:
The Samaritans (call for free on 116 123)
Women Against Rape & Black Women’s Rape Action Project
Resources Compiled by Hopscotch Asian Women’s Centre