Sexual Violence Liaison Officers
Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (SVLOs) are trained to listen, provide support and guide you through your options.
About SVLOs
The University of Surrey and the Students’ Union have four Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (SVLOs). SVLOs are trained to listen and discuss the options with you that are available through external services as well as university services and you can talk to them about recent or non-recent incidents.
The role of the SVLO is to support you and to listen empathically and without judgement. You can tell an SVLO as much or as little as you want to about what happened, and in your own time.
Not sure whether you need to speak to a SVLO?
SVLOs can provide support and information to students of all genders who have experienced sexual violence (including sexual harassment) at any point in their life, however long ago.
If you have experienced anything that makes you feel uncomfortable and you would like to tell someone about it - even if you are unsure whether you have experienced sexual violence or sexual harassment - please contact us so that we can support you.
How can I access a SVLO?
You can book to speak with an SVLO here and you can choose an hour slot that works best with you with an SVLO of your choice. Your first meeting will be on Microsoft Teams, but if you would prefer to have your meeting face-to-face then you just need to let your SVLO know. They’ll then let you know where to meet them, dependent on availability.
If you have a question you can also contact the team by email at svlo@surrey.ac.uk.
Richard (he/him)
Hello, I’m Richard and I’m here to support you at such a difficult time. As your appointed SVLO I can draw upon my experience as a student counsellor and my past experience as sexual health specialist counsellor. These roles mean I am familiar with helping individuals cope by sourcing the best practical advice, guidance, and support which I combine with a non-judgemental approach and grounding strategies to help bring life back into control.
Personally, I enjoy the outdoors and am trained as an outdoor therapist, being outdoors can help us all to feel part of something bigger and remind us that nature thrives even in the harshest conditions - which can help sustain us when life is tough
Zoe (she/her)
I’m Zoe and I manage the Students’ Union Support and Advice team. I have a background in youth work and have been in different roles that support young people with various needs and difficulties.
It’s important to me that survivors of sexual violence have a safe space to talk about their experiences with no pressure and I wanted to become a SVLO to support as many people as possible.
Outside of work I love pole fitness, lino printing, as well as lots of hiking and travelling.
Corinne (she/her)
Hello, my name is Corinne, and I am a Programme Coordinator within Academic Registry.
I became an SVLO because I want to be able to provide a safe space for students who have experienced sexual violence to be able to talk and receive support. I want to be able to give them choice in what support they would like and a space to feel listened to.
Having worked at the university for a number of years, I feel very strongly that there should be support for all students.
In my spare time I like to knit and crochet and play computer games.
Cathryn (she/her)
I'm Cathryn and my role at Surrey is in the Student Scheduling Team, creating timetables for a variety of programmes. Alongside this I'm enrolled part-time with the Open University, studying a Forensic Psychology BSc.
In my spare time, when I'm not baking or playing board games, you'll usually find me at a music concert.
I recently became an SVLO to be able to better support survivors and to give them a safe space to talk freely, without pressure or judgement.
Your meeting with a SVLO
Your SVLO will be guided by you and will ask you what you would like to happen next. They can then discuss all options with you from reporting, to the involving the Police, the University, or even choosing not to report to anyone. They can also talk to you about the range of internal and external support that is available.
The conversation is safe within the boundaries of confidentiality.
Other support resources
The Surrey Solace Centre SARC offers free support and practical help to anyone in Surrey who has experienced sexual violence and/or abuse.
The SARC offers counselling, emotional support and ISVAs (Independent Sexual Violence Advisors). The SARC will, with your consent, also obtain and preserve forensic evidence for up to 2 years for you, with no obligation to report to the police or the University.
If you feel you need to visit the SARC, the Students’ Union and University are able to pay the costs of your taxi fare. Students should not have to cover this cost alone. Please email the Centre for Wellbeing with your name and your bank details, then attach proof of your journey such as a receipt or Uber screenshot.
You can call them free on 0300 130 3038 or find out more on The Solace Centre website.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
MySurrey Help has a range of FAQs on relationships, sexual health and abuse, including our SVLOs service.