Gender-based Violence and Domestic Abuse

The University is committed to providing a safe environment that allows the confidence to work, study, innovate and excel. Some students may find themselves in unsafe relationships that are abusive, coercive and damaging to their mental health and wellbeing.  We take our duty of care to ensure all students and staff enjoy a safe environment very seriously.

Gender Based Violence is a function of gender inequality and an abuse of male power and privilege. It takes the form of actions that result in physical, sexual and psychological harm or suffering to women and children, or affront to their human dignity, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life. It is men who predominantly carry out such violence, and women who are predominantly the victims of such violence.

If you are a man, and are a victim of abuse, there is also support available for you to access through the university.

What support do we offer? 

At Student Services we offer students a safe place to talk about any difficulties they are facing, including issues with gender-based violence. We have also partnered with Fife Rape and Sexual Assault Centre, who have a support worker dedicated to supporting students at the university. You can book an appointment with Student Services, who can refer you to this branch of the service. You can book an appointment to speak to a member of staff or email support.advice@st-andrews.ac.uk for advice. 

Alternative Internal Support & Further Information

You can access self-help through various University channels such as:

  • Report+Support, a resource to report any incidences of bullying and harassment alongside information regarding support and reporting options.
  • Sexual misconduct - advice and guidance for students.

External Support

If you would like to access some self-help materials here are a list of alternative support resources.