This section explains how you can report an incident, either to the university, the police, or both.
You don’t have to choose to tell anybody if you don’t want to but you may choose to report to the university if the incident involves another member of our community, it happened on campus or there are steps you are hoping we can help with. Reporting to the university allows us to investigate to help keep you and others safe, and to provide tailored support.
Reporting to the Police
You can report an incident at any time by calling:
If you report sexual violence to the police, you may be supported by a SOIT officer (Sexual Offences Investigation Team), who are trained to collect forensic evidence, like urine or mouth swabs, and support you through the process.
You may then be taken to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) which is a separate organisation to the police. For students on our Egham campus the closest is the Solace Centre and for our London campus its The Havens. You’ll be cared for by medical and crisis support professionals, forensic evidence can be collected, and you’ll be offered further support, including access to an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA). An ISVAis a trained professional who offers specialist practical and emotional support after the incident. They offer confidential advice, help navigate the criminal justice process, and connect survivors with services such as counselling, healthcare, and housing support.
When attending a SARC, you may be encouraged to bring a change of clothes and, if relevant, any items connected to the incident, such as bedding or clothing. You are welcome to bring a trusted friend or supporter with you. For more information on what to expect when you arrive, please watch this NHS video.
Please know that you can stop the process at any time, and this will not affect your access to support. If you are not ready to decide about reporting to the police, you can self-refer to a SARC to have forensic evidence collected and securely stored for up to two years. You can also receive support and advice from ISVA at any stage, regardless of whether you choose to report. This approach ensures you have the option to pursue a legal investigation in the future if you decide to do so.
Additionally, our Wellbeing Support Team can support you with contacting the SARC. Our Harassment and Wellbeing Advisers can provide support throughout and help make the process as straightforward and comfortable as possible.
Reporting to the University
RH Be Heard
Sexual harassment and violence are never acceptable, no matter where or how they happen and Royal Holloway is committed to eliminating all forms of unacceptable behaviour.
If you have experienced sexual harassment, assault, or violence, we are here to support you. Our RH Be Heard service allows you to report complaints, concerns and challenge misconduct via our online form. Once submitted, the correct team will be alerted and will work with you to resolve this. For students who wish to remain anonymous this reporting tool allows you to do that. For students who want to receive support and liaise with us there is also the option to submit a named report. Either option helps us take steps to respond to incidents, support you, and create a safer community.
Wellbeing Support team
They can offer tailored support, guide you through your options for reporting, and connect you with external agencies and specialist charities.
We have two Harassment and Wellbeing Advisers here at Royal Holloway, part of the Wellbeing Support team. They act as the first point of contact for students reporting incidents of any form of harassment, bullying or violence and will be your named contact point for support. In these situations, they offer support to you and all students involved ensuring that any reported behaviour is addressed, in the hopes of preventing further incidents and educating students about dignity and respect. Where you feel uncomfortable or unsure about reporting incidents to police, they can talk you through this process and what you may be able to expect if you choose to report it.
If you’d like to speak to someone for further support, you can contact our Wellbeing Support Team to arrange a meeting with a Harassment and Wellbeing Adviser. You can email the team directly via wellbeing@rhul.ac.uk to arrange an appointment or visit their week day drop in (term-time) from 11am - 2pm in Founder's East 133
Campus Security
Our campus security team are available 24/7 on the Egham campus and can be contacted for advice if you are off campus. A report can be made to them so they can provide immediate support and assist you with contacting others for urgent help and care as needed. Visit the team in Founder's East or call on 01784 443888.
What happens to your information
We always aim to protect your confidentiality, however in certain situations where there is a serious safeguarding concern, such as a risk to a child under 18, a vulnerable adult, or the wider university or public, we may need to share information with the police. If this happens, we will do our best to speak with you first, so you are informed and supported throughout the process.
If you choose to name others in your report, there’s a chance the person you’ve reported could request access to personal data the university holds on them, which might include parts of your report. We take great care to protect your confidentiality, removing identifying details wherever possible, and only sharing information when the law requires it. In rare cases, someone might still recognise details through context, but we’ll always work hard to reduce that risk. If you’re unsure or feeling anxious about what to include, we’re here to support you and talk through your options before you share anything.