South Bank University recognised for support services to male victims of sexual violence

London South Bank University (LSBU) has become the first university to be independently accredited as meeting National Quality Standards for services supporting male victims of sexual violence.

Specialist support for students who had experienced sexual violence began at LSBU following a report by Universities UK about sexual violence against university students.

Rosie Holden, Director of Student Services at LSBU, said: “I am proud that LSBU has become the first UK university service to be independently accredited as meeting the needs of male victims of sexual violence.

“The Sexual Violence Quality Standard demonstrates LSBU’s commitment to learn and improve how we support all victims and survivors of sexual violence.

“LSBU is the first university to be accredited thanks to the invaluable support and guidance from LimeCulture and Male Survivors Partnership.

“We will continue working with them to deliver the highest standards of support to male victims of sexual violence.”

Metropolitan Police crime statistics show there has been over two sexual offences recorded everyday in Southwark over the past two years, and it’s likely many more go unreported.

The national Quality Standards are set and issued by LimeCulture and Male Survivors Partnership who work to improve the quality of sexual violence services for victims and survivors in the UK.

Their work enables organisations working with boys and men affected by sexual abuse, rape and sexual exploitation to review and improve the quality of their sexual violence support services to male survivors by recognising their gender-based needs.