Support That Recognises Different Experiences
The University of Wolverhampton is committed to supporting the wellbeing, safety and success of all students and staff.
We recognise that women may experience unique opportunities, pressures and challenges throughout their lives, studies and careers. These experiences can be shaped by factors such as culture, ethnicity, disability, faith, age, sexuality, caring responsibilities, socio-economic background and personal circumstances.
There is no single experience of womanhood.
Whatever your circumstances, support is available.
Your Safety Matters
Everyone has the right to feel safe, respected and valued.
Women can be disproportionately affected by experiences such as:
- Sexual harassment
- Sexual violence
- Domestic abuse
- Stalking
- Coercive control
- Online abuse
- Discrimination
- Gender-based violence
Experiencing any of these behaviours is never your fault.
Support is available whether an incident occurred recently or in the past.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Many women balance multiple responsibilities and expectations.
These may include:
- Academic pressures
- Workplace responsibilities
- Caring responsibilities
- Family commitments
- Financial pressures
- Health concerns
- Relationship challenges
These experiences can sometimes affect well-being and mental health.
Support may help if you are experiencing:
- Stress or burnout
- Anxiety
- Low mood
- Loneliness
- Loss of confidence
- Feeling overwhelmed
You do not need to be in crisis before seeking support.
Healthy Relationships
Everyone deserves relationships built on:
- Respect
- Trust
- Consent
- Communication
- Equality
Support may be helpful if you are experiencing:
- Relationship difficulties
- Controlling behaviour
- Emotional abuse
- Coercive control
- Unhealthy relationship patterns
- Concerns about consent
If something does not feel right, trust your instincts and seek advice.
Pregnancy, Parenthood and Caring Responsibilities
The University recognises that some students and staff may be:
- Pregnant
- Preparing for parenthood
- New parents
- Returning from maternity, paternity, adoption or shared parental leave
- Balancing study or work alongside caring responsibilities
Pregnancy and parenthood should not prevent anyone from accessing education, employment opportunities or support.
The University is committed to ensuring that students and staff are supported throughout pregnancy, maternity, parental leave and their return to study or work.
Support may include:
- Advice and guidance
- Academic support and adjustments
- Placement support and risk assessments
- Wellbeing support
- Workplace adjustments
- Signposting to specialist services
Support for Students
The University's Support to Study Team provides support for students who are pregnant, new parents or returning to study following maternity leave.
Support includes guidance on:
- Informing the University about a pregnancy
- Pregnancy risk assessments
- Placements and professional programmes
- Academic support and adjustments
- Returning to study following maternity leave
- Accessing additional support services
For more information, please visit the University's Pregnancy and New Mums Support page.
Support for Staff
Staff who are pregnant, planning a family or returning from maternity, adoption, paternity or shared parental leave can access support through:
- Their line manager
- Human Resources
- Occupational Health
- The Employee Assistance Programme
The University is committed to supporting staff through these important life transitions and ensuring appropriate support and adjustments are considered where required.
Pregnancy and Maternity Discrimination
Pregnancy and maternity are protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.
Nobody should be treated unfairly because they:
- Are pregnant
- Have recently given birth
- Are breastfeeding
- Are taking maternity leave
- Are returning from maternity leave
If you experience discrimination, harassment or unfavourable treatment related to pregnancy or maternity, support is available through Report + Support and the University's support services.
Gender Equality and Inclusion
Women have made significant contributions across every area of society, education, research and professional life.
The University is committed to:
- Promoting equality of opportunity
- Challenging discrimination
- Supporting progression and success
- Creating inclusive environments
- Addressing barriers that may affect participation or achievement
Everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their potential.
Internal Support
Students and staff can access a range of University services, including:
- Report + Support
- Safeguarding Support
- Student Life Services
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Services
- Chaplaincy and Pastoral Support
- Human Resources Support
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Accessibility, Disability and Inclusion Team
Support is available whether you are experiencing difficulties yourself or supporting someone else.
Specialist Support for Women
Some women may prefer to access specialist services that focus on women's experiences and needs.
This may include support relating to:
- Domestic abuse
- Sexual violence
- Stalking
- Mental health
- Reproductive health
- Pregnancy and parenting
- Gender-based discrimination
- Harmful cultural practices
Many people access both University and external support services.
Choosing specialist support is a personal choice and an important part of finding support that feels right for you.
For more information, please visit our Finding Support That Feels Right for You page and External Support Directory.
Domestic Abuse & Safety Helplines
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline: Call the 24/7 freephone helpline on 0808 2000 247 run by Refuge for confidential emergency guidance, legal advice, and safe refuge accommodation.
- Women's Aid: Offers a comprehensive Domestic Abuse Directory to locate local, trusted women-only safe spaces and online chat support networks across the UK.
- National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV): Provides fast, specialised assistance to help survivors obtain emergency legal protection orders against abusers.
Mental Health & Community Hubs
- Samaritans: Available 24 hours a day at 116 123 to offer free, anonymous emotional support for anyone experiencing extreme distress or despair.
- Togetherall: An online, professionally managed community offering round-the-clock anonymous mental health peer support for stress and anxiety.
- Local Women's Centres: Organisations like Together Women in the North and Black Country Women's Aid in the West Midlands provide trauma-informed, 1-to-1 mentoring, counselling, and legal advocacy
Supporting Other Women
You may be concerned about a friend, colleague, student or family member.
Sometimes the most important things you can do are:
- Listen without judgement
- Believe what they tell you
- Respect their choices
- Encourage support
- Help them understand their options
Support should empower people rather than pressure them.
Belonging Matters
Every woman should feel able to:
- Participate fully in University life
- Access opportunities
- Express herself safely
- Seek support without judgment
- Feel respected and valued
Creating a safe, inclusive and supportive community is everyone's responsibility.
Remember
You do not have to face challenges alone.
Whether you access University services, specialist organisations, peer support networks, community groups or trusted individuals in your life, support should reflect your individual circumstances, experiences and choices.
The right support is the support that helps you feel safe, heard, respected and empowered to move forward.
At the University of Wolverhampton, we are committed to ensuring that all women can study, work and thrive in an environment where they are valued, supported and able to achieve their full potential.