In light of recent nationwide reports of spiking and sexual misconduct being on the rise, we wanted to remind and assure you that the University of Southampton take concerns regarding your health and safety, both on and off campus, very seriously: it is our top priority.
We want to be explicitly clear that spiking and any form of sexual assault is illegal, and anyone alleged to be a perpetrator will be reported to the police. If the perpetrator is a student at the University, they will also incur additional disciplinary actions and a life-ban from all UoS facilities and activities.
It is not your fault if you are targeted, and although no one should have to be on their guard against sexual violence and harassment, it’s important to take precautions for yours and other people’s safety.
Safety on campus
We have safety interventions in place in our venues, including SUSU – Southampton University Students’ Union led events, to reassure those attending nights out about their personal safety on campus:
- Our Security teams are available on each of our campuses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The teams are trained in first aid, patrol all our campuses regularly, monitor campus-wide CCTV systems and monitor and respond to all alarms. Find out more about our Security teams.
- Security guards are also present at any events involving drinking or late-night activity. Bag searches are statutory for everyone entering our spaces and checks of toilets and any secluded areas are conducted to protect the welfare of all individuals.
- All our staff are trained under the national Ask for Angela scheme, supporting any student to discreetly raise any issues of safety to a staff member at a venue who will be able to offer appropriate support.
- Our Wellbeing team are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are upset, worried or struggling with something whilst you are at University, you can speak to one of our advisors online or in-person at any time, who are here to help and offer you the support you need. If you are concerned about another student’s wellbeing, please inform us by completing the Raising Concerns Form.
- Unilink Buses operate every night until around midnight and cover various points of interest, including Highfield Campus, City Centre, and halls of residence. For full timetables and routes available, please check the Unilink Bus website.
- If you are leaving Highfield Campus late at night, the SUSU Safety Bus is another alternative – it leaves on the hour from the SUSU Redbrick every day from 20:00 until midnight or 01:00 and takes you right to your doorstep. It also does two Winchester School of Art trips every day. For the full schedule, please head to the SUSU website.
SUSU Safe: Minimising risks off campus
SUSU have been working to increase student safety in venues off campus, including:
- A Student Safety Charter – following a Town Hall Meeting about spiking, SUSU contacted all local night-time venue owners to review and sign. A list of those who signed up will be released soon. SUSU will continue to work closely with these venues and hold them to account. Find out more on SUSU Safe.
- A risk assessment as a legal requirement – all student groups must complete a risk assessment for any event. It must be submitted at least 3 weeks before the event takes place and ensure provisions are in place should anything go wrong.
- Security – any events taking place late at night or involving a large number of people require security.
- Free drink testing kits, Stop Topps to cover drinks and attack alarms can be collected from the SUSU reception in Building 42 on Highfield Campus.
Report and Support
If you have been a victim of spiking or any form of sexual harassment and violence, or encounter anything suspicious, please tell us by using the Report and Support tool. We will advise you on next steps to escalate this, should you wish to, and offer support and guidance. The University works closely with SUSU, the police and local venues to address reports that have been made to us.
If you are on campus or in halls of residence, you can also contact the Security team any time to report an incident or ask for support. Their phone number is on the back of your Student ID card.
