A gradient background of blue to green, with safety icons surrounded the word Keep Safe.

Personal Safety

TW: Mentions of sexual violence, harassment and rape

From staying safe on campus to safety in your home, explore key information and available support.

Home & Travel Safety
Safe Zone App
Sexual Violence and Harassment

Home and Travel Safety

Safety at Home

  • Use door and window alarms, and other anti-burglary devices. You can pick these up for free
  • Don’t let strangers in, including tradespeople or charity workers. Ask for official ID or get in touch with the organisation they say they’re from to verify their identity.
  • Leave a light on when you’re out of the house at night and make sure you lock your windows and doors.
  • If you’ve ordered items online, don’t leave the empty boxes outside your home – this advertises the new items you have bought.
  • Lock your garden gate. If your gate is broken, report it to your landlord or letting agency.

Travelling Safe

  • Track each other for safety. Life 360 is one of many apps that friends and families use to track each other’s whereabouts for reassurance and safety.
  • If you live in Selly Oak, the Selly Express is a free evening shuttle bus running from campus to Selly Oak, created to help students get home safely and conveniently. The service operates at key times in the evening, offering a reliable travel option after late lectures, study sessions, or social events.
  • Use trusted taxi /cab services and Apps and NEVER get into a taxi or cab that you haven’t booked in advance, unless it is a genuine black cab.

Personal Safety Freebies

From contactless card defenders to personal safety alarms, we can provide you with the items you need to protect yourself from crime. And they’re all completely free of charge.

Simply drop into Guild Reception, any accommodation village reception or the Community Safety Hub to pick up yours. The friendly staff at these locations can also offer you free advice, plus a safe, confidential space to ask any questions or share concerns.

Safe Zone App

The SafeZone app is designed to keep you safe and give you extra peace of mind on campus and in university accommodation.

You can use the app to check in any time of day, share your location, call for assistance, receive notifications if there’s an incident on campus and to report something anonymously.

The app also has a handy list of wellbeing resources and key contacts, all available at your fingertips.

Sexual Violence and Harassment

TW: Mentions of sexual violence, harassment and rape.

If you have been subject to sexual or domestic violence, you are not alone and support is available.

You can report the incident using the University’s Report & Support online reporting tool. You may choose to:

  • Submit a report anonymously, or
  • Request for an advisor to get in touch

The choice is entirely yours. If you are unsure about your options or would like guidance, you can also contact the Guild Advice Team or Wellbeing Support Services for confidential advice.

Horizon Sexual Assault Referral Centre offers free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support, in Birmingham and the West Midlands to adults and young people who have experienced sexual assault, including rape. Their services include:

  • Immediate over-the-phone rape and sexual assault support and signposting to specialist services.
  • In-person rape or sexual assault crisis support and healthcare including access to medications, if needed.
  • Comprehensive Forensic Medical Examinations.
  • Referrals to specialist counselling.

Self-swab rape kits are sometimes marketed as a way for survivors to collect evidence or deter perpetrators. However, these kits are not recommended.

While they may appear helpful, self-swab kits:

  • Collect only limited evidence
  • Are less effective in supporting investigations or legal proceedings
  • Cannot replace the specialist care provided by SARCs
  • May unintentionally give survivors false reassurance rather than the support they deserve

Sexual offence investigations are complex, and DNA evidence alone is not always decisive. Specialist services offer a far more comprehensive and survivor-centred response. You can find further information and guidance from Rape Crisis.

You may wish to access specialist support outside of the University. These services are free, confidential, and available whether or not you choose to report to the police.

RSVP (Rape & Sexual Violence Project) provides specialist, survivor-centred support to people aged 16+ who have experienced sexual violence at any point in their lives. Their services include:

  • Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs)
  • Emotional and practical support
  • Help navigating reporting options, medical appointments, or legal processes
  • Specialist counselling services

RSVP supports survivors of all genders and backgrounds.

Rape CrisisEngland & Wales offers confidential emotional support, information, and advocacy for survivors of sexual violence and abuse. Support is available regardless of when the incident occurred.

National Domestic Abuse Helpline offers 24/7 confidential support, safety planning, and access to local services.

SurvivorsUK provides specialist support for male and non-binary survivors of sexual violence, including helplines, counselling, and online resources.

The Samaritans are available 24/7 to listen without judgement if you are feeling overwhelmed, distressed, or in crisis.

Immediate Help

If you have been assaulted and need urgent help:

Emergency Services

Contact emergency services at 999.

A&E Department

Visit your local A&E department or Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).

Healthcare professionals will be able to provide immediate medical support, collect forensic evidence, and can signpost you to the appropriate recovery services.

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