Gender-based violence (GBV) support
Updated on: 9 September 2026
Find support from organisations that specialise in different types of gender-based violence and abuse
Support: your resources
If you have experienced gender-based violence (GBV), support is available. Whether the incident happened recently or some time ago, you can access confidential advice, practical assistance and emotional support.
You do not have to decide immediately whether to make a report to the University or the Police. This page provides information about the support and reporting options available to help you make informed decisions about what feels right for you.
If you have experienced gender-based violence (GBV), you do not have to cope on your own, there are many support services available to help you. There is no time limit on seeking the help of advisers, the police, your GP, or other support services. This page includes information for your emotional and physical wellbeing.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger
Call the emergency services on 999 (dial 9999 from a University extension) if you or someone else is in physical danger or needs urgent medical help.
After contacting the emergency services and if you are on-site, call the University Security and Response Team on: +44 (0)1334 46 8999 (dial 8999 from a University extension).
The team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Internal support
If you, or someone you know, has experienced gender-based violence (GBV), sexual misconduct or another form of inappropriate behaviour, support is available. You may wish to:
- speak to your line manager, another line manager or a trusted colleague
- seek advice from your HR Business Partner
- access the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), Occupational Health and other wellbeing resources for confidential advice and support
Accessing support does not require you to make a formal report to the University or the Police. You can seek advice and support without deciding what action, if any, you wish to take.
Reporting to the University
If you wish to make the University aware of an incident, you can:
- submit a report through Report and Support
- speak to your HR Business Partner, line manager or another trusted colleague
- visit the Sexual and GBV webpage for guidance on how to report a GBV incident to the University
Workplace support
Experiencing gender-based violence can affect your wellbeing and ability to work. Depending on the circumstances, the University may be able to provide support measures or temporary workplace adjustments.
Speak to your line manager or HR Business Partner if you would like to discuss workplace support or adjustments.
Receiving a disclosure
If someone discloses an experience of gender-based violence to you, visit the Receiving a GBV disclosure guidance for practical advice on responding appropriately and accessing support.
Reporting a crime
Police Scotland can provide advice about reporting a crime and accessing support following an incident.
St Andrews Police Station
68 Pipeland Road
St Andrews
Fife
KY16 9AE
Phone: 101 or 999 in an emergency situation.
Specialist external support services
Different organisations provide specialist support depending on the nature of your experience. The services below can offer confidential information, emotional support and practical advice.
Sexual violence support
Sexual violence can include rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, image-based abuse and other forms of unwanted sexual behaviour. Specialist organisations can provide confidential emotional support, practical advice, advocacy and information about reporting options, whether the incident occurred recently or in the past.
- Rape Crisis Scotland
- Fife Rape and Sexual Assault Centre
- Women’s Rape and Sexual Assault Centre
- NHS Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS)
Support for survivors of childhood sexual abuse
Experiencing childhood sexual abuse can have a lasting impact on wellbeing, relationships and daily life. Specialist organisations can provide a safe and supportive environment to explore experiences, access emotional support and receive advice about available options and services.
Domestic abuse and coercive control
Domestic abuse can include physical, emotional, psychological, sexual or financial abuse, as well as coercive and controlling behaviour. Specialist organisations can provide confidential advice, safety planning and practical support.
- Scottish Women's Aid, 0800 027 1234
- Men's Advice Line, 0808 801 0327
Stalking and harassment support
If you are experiencing unwanted attention, monitoring, following, repeated contact or other behaviour that causes fear or alarm, specialist advice and support is available through the National Stalking Helpline.
- Suzy Lamplugh Trust (National Stalking Helpline), 0808 802 0300
LGBTQ+ support
Galop (0800 999 5428) provides confidential support, advice and advocacy for LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse, violence, sexual violence, domestic abuse, hate crime, honour-based abuse or forced marriage.
Support following crime
If you have been affected by crime, specialist organisations can provide emotional support, practical advice and information about the criminal justice process, regardless of whether the crime has been reported to the Police.
Links to external sites and information
The University is not liable for external web content and may not be aware when this content is changed or removed.