Keeping Safe in Our Venue

Keeping you safe in our venue - RUSU EVENTS

We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive students' union. We have a zero-tolerance policy to sexual harassment, discrimination and violence. 

On this page you will find resources and information to help should you ever feel unsafe in our venues, or the wider community. 

If you ever feel uncomfortable in our venue, find a member of staff and 'Ask for Angela'. 

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault can affect anyone, regardless of their identity. It doesn't matter the gender, the sexuality, sexual history, or anything else of the individual. Sexual assault is the result of one thing: a lack of consent.
‘Consent can never be assumed. The easiest way to make sure consent is given is to ask before sexual activity occurs. If the person freely responds ‘yes’ (without force or pressure), this is consent. Remember, it’s your body and only you can decide what you do with it! – Safe Sex Berkshire.

Resources 

Whilst on campus: 

  • An emergency or immediate risk of harm – Call the Police on 999
  • An emergency or immediate risk of harm – Call Campus Security on 0118 378 6300
  • An emergency or immediate risk of harm while at the Venue – Ask for Angela at the bar / Contact Venue Management
  • For Mental Health or emotional difficulties – Counselling & Wellbeing on Campus / Carrington Building / 0118 378 4216

For the effects of harassment, victim of crime, abuse, sexual violence & drugs/alcohol:

  • Contact the Student Welfare Team / Carrington Building / 0118 378 4777 / studentwelfare@reading.ac.uk
  • Report Incidents to #NeverOk / neverok@reading.ac.uk
  • Contact RUSU Advice Service / Students’ Union Building / 0118 378 4100 / advice@rusu.co.uk (Confidential and independent advice. No information will be shared with the University without the student’s permission)

Additional Resources:

  • For advice on sexual assault or rape - Sexual Assault Referral Centres / 0800 970 9952 / www.solacearc.org
  • For support for victims and witness of domestic abuse crimes / Victim First Hub / 0300 1234 148 / www.victims-first.org.uk
  • For assistance with legal problems, obtaining court orders and injunctions / DV assist / 0800 195 8699 / www.dvassist.ord.uk
  • RUSU Welfare Directory – a resource for finding contact details for a variety of organisations and support within, and external to, the University of Reading.
  • Counselling and Wellbeing - professional counselling, wellbeing and mental health support - available free of charge to all University of Reading students.
  • Student Space – providing one-to-one support for whatever challenge you’re facing, designed for students. Whether it’s your mental health, your studies, money, housing or relationships, Student Space can provide support. 
     

National Helplines: