New rape crisis project supports student survivors in Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre has formed a partnership with the city’s universities to support students who have experienced rape or sexual violence.

Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre safe space

The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University, Heriot-Watt University and Queen Margaret University have all signed up for this project.

The new project will offer counselling and support both remotely and in person to any student who has had this experience.

It will also help student survivors to understand that situation they are in and know that abuse is never their fault.

ERCC Centre Director Caroline Burrell said: “This new project will provide crucial, life-saving support to student survivors across the city.

“We know that sexual violence happens on university campuses, and we are also very aware of the need for specialist support for those who have experienced such violence.

“This project, which has developed out of the Fearless Edinburgh work, builds on the excellent services in place already and is an important part to ensuring student survivors have the kind of support they need, when they need it.”

The university believes that this project is an important part of ensuring the wellbeing of the city’s student population.

Director of Student Wellbeing at the University of Edinburgh Andy Shanks said: “This project is a crucial part of the work we all do to support student wellbeing and inclusion, and tackle and prevent sexual violence and misconduct on our campuses.

"The City’s four universities are pleased to be joint funders in this project as part of ongoing work to better support survivors on our campuses.”

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