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Physical assault

Our priority is to keep young people safe from harm. This guidance has been produced for students who have been physically assaulted. It provides information that you might want to consider when deciding what to do next. It also includes information about sources of support which may be useful.

What to do if you’ve been assaulted on campus

  • If you have been assaulted on campus, Campus Support can offer first aid and first response support, you can contact them on 01695 584 227 (24 hours a day).
  • If you feel unsafe or need to urgently report the incident to the police, for example, if you feel you or others are at risk of further harm, contact the police on 999.
  • If you need urgent medical care you may need to attend A & E for immediate attention. For emergency ambulance services call 999. The local 24 hour Adult Accident and Emergency department is at Southport and Formby District Hospital.
  • For non-emergency police support you can report the incident by calling 101. This is for non-urgent police contact and used for reporting a crime that is no longer in progress and when there is no immediate risk of harm.
  • If you require less urgent medical assistance you can either see your GP or attend the walk-in centre at Ormskirk Hospital.

What to do if you’ve been assaulted off campus

  • If you feel unsafe or need to urgently report the incident to the police, for example, if you feel you or others are at risk of further harm, contact the police on 999.
  • If you need urgent medical care you may need to attend A & E for immediate attention. For emergency ambulance services call 999. The local 24 hour Adult Accident and Emergency department is at Southport and Formby District Hospital.
  • For non-emergency police support you can report the incident by calling 101. This is for non-urgent police contact and used for reporting a crime that is no longer in progress and when there is no immediate risk of harm.
  • If you require less urgent medical assistance you can either see your GP or attend the walk-in centre at Ormskirk Hospital
  • If you’re not in the Ormskirk area, click the link to find your local walk-in centre.

Reporting the assault

How to Report to the Police

  • Emergencies: Call 999 and ask for the police. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our textphone service 18000 or text us on 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS service.
  • Non-Emergencies: Call 101 and ask for the police force where the incident has taken place. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our textphone service on 18001 101.
  • Online: You can report an assault online here. Your report will be dealt with by the police control room in exactly the same way as by call.
  • Report concerns anonymously to Crime Stoppers: If you want to report a crime but don’t want to identify yourself, you can report a crime anonymously to Crimestoppers.

How to report a student to the University

  • You can report the assault to the University by emailing the Student Resolution Service via [email protected]. You will be asked to make a statement about the assault and the team will guide you through the process. Each case is dealt with individually in accordance with the Student Disciplinary Regulations.

Support

After a physical assault

  • It can be extremely frightening to be the victim of an assault. As well as being hurt or physically injured you may also feel emotional trauma.
  • Once the assault has taken place it may be helpful for you to write down what has happened soon after the event, along with time and date of the incident in case you decide to report the incident to the police.
  • Even if the incident does not result in any physical injuries it can still be regarded as an assault. Often victims know the perpetrators of the assault, and incidents can happen anywhere.
  • Regardless of physical injury assault can have an emotional effect. No matter how you’re feeling it is important to remember no-one has the right to hurt or threaten you.

The Wellbeing Team

  • If you require emotional support you can contact Wellbeing on 01695 650988 (during office hours) or by email on [email protected].

External Support

  • If you would like to look at some online support pages visit the Victim Support webpages where you can access advice and also use their support line if you require more information.
  • The Lancashire Victim support team can be contacted on 0300 323 0085 (Monday-Friday, 9.00am to 7.00pm). More useful information on local services can be found by clicking the link.
  • If you do need support outside these hours you can call Supportline on 0808 1689111 (free of charge).