Sexual Health and Assault
It is important to be educated about safe sex practices. This includes awareness of sexually transmitted infections (STIs); what they are, how to avoid them, and how to treat them.
The following resources are available for information about sexual health, and the services available to you.
College Nurses
The college nurses are able to offer information and some sexual health supplies for Downing students.
Cambridge SU Sexual Health Scheme
The student union's sexual health scheme provides free sexual health supplies. This is organised through each college's welfare officers, so please feel free to reach out to the JCR Welfare Officers (email [email protected]) if needed.
See their website for more detailed information on the sexual health scheme.
Information
Please find below some helpful resources to find information on sexual health. We encourage everyone to research and educate themselves about safe sexual practices.
British Pregnancy Advisory Service Website
Dhiverse
Cambridge based organisation who provide sexual health and HIV support, information, and education for all. Visit their website for more information.
Clinic in Cambridge
Information on sexual assault
If you feel unsafe at any point while at the university, you can always call the Downing porters ( 01223 334800), or approach the nearest college's porter's lodge.
Hopefully this will never happen, but if you do experience sexual harassment, assault or rape, know that you are not alone and it was not your fault. Should you choose to, you can report the incident to the University and/or the police.
Key messages for you, if you have experienced sexual misconduct, harassment or violence:
- It was not your fault.
- You are not alone; you deserve to feel supported and believed.
- You have a choice in what you do next and what is right for you.
- You can get support from trusted friends and family and/or professional support.
- You can get support from the Sexual Harassment and Violence Advisor (SHVA) at the University.
- You can get external support from an Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA) at Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre.
- You can go to The Elms Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), for a forensic medical examination where they can store evidence for you while you make your mind up about reporting. You may be able to get support with transport to the SARC from your college.
- You can report the incident to the police if you choose to do so, including anonymously.
- You can report any incidents of sexual violence or harassment to the University; you don’t have to do this, but if you do, we can direct you to appropriate confidential support and help with any adjustments to your study.
See also the mental health services available to you (for more information see the mental health services tab on this website)
See also:
University Sexual Assault Policy
Here is a brief overview of the University Procedure and a short animation which summarises the changes.
General University advice and Guidelines can be found here
Man Kind Counselling offers services for male victims of sexual violence.
Cambridge rape counselling centre offers services for female victims of sexual violence.