Male Sexual Violence

Newcastle University Student Health and Wellbeing Service offers specialist counselling for registered students who identify as male, or non-binary (born male) and who have experienced sexual violence or harassment. You can access support regardless of your sexuality, race, ethnicity or cultural background. 

We support students who have experienced sexual violence, whether recently or in the past. The service provides a safe and confidential space to talk. 

You may be offered up to 12 counselling sessions. 

Get support 

• Request counselling support 
  Contact Us | Student Wellbeing | Newcastle University Newcastle University Student Health and Wellbeing Service  

• Report sexual violence (online disclosure form) 
  Sexual Violence | Student Wellbeing | Newcastle University Newcastle University Student Health and Wellbeing Service  

A member of the team will contact you within five working days to discuss support and next steps. 

Decide if counselling is right for you 

Not everyone who has experienced sexual violence will want or need counselling. Support is available whenever you feel ready. 

Counselling may help if you would like a confidential space to explore how your experiences are affecting you. 

You may be experiencing: 

• difficulty sleeping  

• changes in appetite  

• low mood or anxiety  

• difficulty concentrating  

• intrusive thoughts or flashbacks  

• feeling disconnected from yourself or your surroundings  

• difficulty engaging with study or daily life  

If you are unsure, you can speak with one of our team before deciding.

What to expect from counselling 

You are in control of what you share in counselling. 

You do not need to talk about the details of what happened unless you want to. 

Counselling can support you to: 

• understand the impact of your experience  

• explore your thoughts and feelings  

• develop strategies to manage distress and support your wellbeing  

If there are ongoing legal proceedings, your counsellor will explain the limits around what can be discussed before a trial. 

Your safety and support needs 

If you are not currently feeling safe, or you are struggling to keep yourself safe, counselling may not be the most appropriate first step. 

We can help you access: 

• crisis support  

• NHS mental health services  

• specialist support services  

Please contact us so we can help you find the right support. 

What we mean by sexual violence 

Sexual violence includes any unwanted, unconsented or coerced sexual behaviour, including: 

• rape or sexual assault  

• sexual coercion within relationships  

• online harassment or image-based abuse  

• non-recent (historic) sexual abuse  

• “honour-based” sexual violence  

Confidentiality 

Your information will be treated confidentially. 

We will only share information outside Student Health and Wellbeing Services if: 

• you give your consent, or  

• if you or someone else is in danger 

• we are legally required to do so (for example, by a court order)  

we will always inform if you we must extend confidentiality unless to do so places you or someone else in danger  

Not sure? Talk to us 

Contact Student Health and Wellbeing 
Contact Us | Student Wellbeing | Newcastle University Newcastle University Student Health and Wellbeing Service  

This gives you the opportunity to: 

• ask questions  

• understand the support available  

• decide what feels right for you  

There is no obligation to continue with counselling. 

You can also request to see a male or female counsellor.