Gender based violence
crisis SUPPORT

At South Lanarkshire College, our vision is for all staff and students to prosper and flourish in a safe, supportive, inclusive learning environment. To help us achieve this vision we have produced a Gender Based Violence Prevention & Support Policy and Strategy.

South Lanarkshire College has a zero-tolerance approach to all instances of gender-based violence. In keeping with the Equally Safe initiative developed by the Scottish Government and COSLA, in addition to various external partners, the College is committed to securing a future where gender-based violence no longer exists. We adopt the Scottish Government’s definition that gender-based violence describes a range of behaviours which includes: intimidation, harassment, online abuse, intimate image sharing, domestic abuse, physical and emotional abuse, stalking, sexual assault and murder. The term also includes commercial sexual exploitation and so-called ‘honour based’ violence, including, female genital mutilation, forced marriages and ‘honour’ crimes. Although gender-based violence affects more women and girls, it is important to note it also impacts men and those in the LGBT+ community.

If you have experienced gender-based violence we would encourage you to report the incident to a member of staff that you are comfortable with. This may be through Guidance Tutors or directly with a member of the Guidance and Support staff in the Student Services Department. Immediate support will be provided to you and a referral to external specialised services may be made, if necessary. In addition to this, arrangements can be made to access in-house support services such as the Student Counselling Service. Alternatively, you can email the dedicated Student.Support@slc.ac.uk email and a member of the Student Services team will contact you directly.

The College will respond sympathetically, confidentially and effectively to anyone who discloses an incident of gender-based violence. This support may include the following:

  • Agreed periods of absence (Authorised Absences for students) for relevant appointments, including for example support agencies, solicitors, to attend counselling, to rearrange housing or childcare and for court appointments.
  • Where possible, give favourable consideration to temporary changes to attendance, work arrangements and workload.
  • Approve requests for an advance of pay or bursary/discretionary support.
  • Arrange access to counselling support services during college time and other internal support services.
  • Review the security of information held such as temporary or new addresses, bank or healthcare details.
  • Alert reception and security staff where the alleged perpetrator is known to come to the College.
  • Implement particular security arrangements that may have to be put in place to ensure the safety of the person concerned.
  • Record any threatening or violent incidents by the perpetrator that takes place in the College.

This list is not exhaustive and there may be other measures that can be tailored to individual circumstances of the person involved.

During this challenging time of social distancing and remaining at home, we recognise that home may not be a safe place for many people.

If you are experiencing gender-based violence at home then please know there are still support services available that you can access, including the following organisations:

Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire & East Renfrewshire

Scottish Women’s Aid

Scotland’s National Domestic Abuse & Forced Marriage

Lanarkshire Rape Crisis

Rape Crisis Scotland
 
AMIS (Abused Men in Scotland)
 

MASH Men as Survivors Helpline

Victim Support Scotland
 
Police Scotland can also be contacted for non-emergencies by calling 101 or in an emergency by dialling 999.
 
It’s important to remember mental health charities are continuing to provide support nationally, including the following:

Breathing Space

The Samaritans

The College’s student counselling service continues to be available and we are now providing an online and phone based service.

To arrange an appointment please email student.support@slc.ac.uk and a member of the Guidance & Advice Team will contact you.

For further information on the Counselling service please visit: https://www.slc.ac.uk/counselling/

Download Student Counselling Information
Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter