Meet Kate Rhodes, our Specialist Domestic & Sexual Violence Adviser in our Student Welfare Team, here to support students who have experienced or witnessed domestic and sexual violence at any point in their lives.
Content guidance
This video and transcript contains information on sexual assault and violence, so viewer and reader discretion is advised. Please seek support if you need to, using the information below.
How to access support and further information
If you feel you need support from Kate or another of our support services, please complete our Welfare Referral form.
You can use our Report+Support platform to report inappropriate behaviour you have experienced or witnessed to discuss options for support and possible action, and access support information about specialist services.
Our Keeping Each Other Safe training modules are available from our Preventing and addressing bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct webpage, alongside information on our policies, procedures and further sources of support.
Transcript
My name’s Kate Rhodes and I'm the Specialist Domestic and Sexual Violence Advisor here at King's. I'm part of the Student of Concern Welfare team, which is a part of the University Student Support & Wellbeing Services.
I am a fully qualified, independent Domestic & Sexual Violence Advisor. This means that I provide trauma-informed support to survivors of sexual and domestic violence, combining knowledge of legislation, the criminal and civil justice systems, and safety planning, to promote disclosure, safeguard wellbeing, and advocate effectively.
Working with me means you’ll receive support or advice, on any form of harmful practice, whether it happened recently or whether it's historic. You have control over what you choose to share and when you feel ready to disclose. Any information shared is treated as confidential, unless there are safeguarding concerns that means we need to act to keep someone safe.
You can access one-to-one support appointments with me, either online, in person, or over the phone. The length of support depends on your individual needs. It could be a one-off session or ongoing longer-term support and advocacy. Support is always tailored to your circumstances and continues for as long as it's needed.
Our Report and Support platform includes a range of advice from what sexual violence is, to how to report it, if you or someone you know has experienced it at King's. We also would encourage you to complete our Keeping Each Other Safe online training, which includes helping you understand sexual misconduct and how to look out for friends and peers. The information in the course is always available for you to return to whenever you want to refer to it.
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is seeing students begin to feel safe, heard, and in control again after a difficult experience. It's a privilege to walk alongside them as they rebuild their confidence and engage with their studies or community, in a way that feels right for them. I also find it deeply fulfilling to see the wider impact of this work, whether that's helping develop safer university practices, building partnerships with specialist services, or helping staff feel more confident in responding to disclosures. Every small step forward a student makes, reminds me why this work matters.
If you're feeling hesitant about seeking support, please know that my role was created to support our student community. I offer a safe, judgment free space where you can talk about what's happened at your own pace and explore the options available to you. You don't have to go through things alone. I'm here to listen and to help you find the right support. To find out more, visit the links in the video (listed above).