It Has Happened to Me
If you have experienced bullying, harassment, discrimination, hate-related behaviour or any other form of unwanted conduct, support is available.
The University of Wolverhampton is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful environment where all members of our community are treated with dignity and respect.
Bullying and harassment are never acceptable.
If something has happened that has left you feeling upset, intimidated, humiliated, excluded, threatened or unsafe, you do not have to deal with it alone.
Your Safety Comes First
Are you in immediate danger?
If you are in immediate danger, have been seriously injured, or a crime is in progress:
Call 999
If you are on campus and require urgent assistance, you should also contact University Security.
Find a Safe Space
If an incident has happened recently, consider moving to a place where you feel safe and supported.
This may be:
- with trusted friends, family members or colleagues
- in a public place
- in a University building
- at home
- with a support service
If you feel unsafe, seek support immediately.
Understanding What Has Happened
Bullying and harassment can take many forms and can affect anyone.
Bullying
Bullying is offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour involving a misuse of power that can make a person feel:
- vulnerable
- upset
- humiliated
- undermined
- threatened
Harassment
Harassment is unwanted behaviour that violates a person's dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.
Harassment may be related to a protected characteristic such as:
- age
- disability
- gender reassignment
- pregnancy or maternity
- race or ethnicity
- religion or belief
- sex
- sexual orientation
Some forms of harassment may also constitute a hate incident or hate crime.
You do not need to determine whether the behaviour meets a legal definition before seeking support.
If something has happened that does not feel right, we encourage you to seek advice or raise a concern.
Reporting a Concern
The University provides several ways to report concerns and access support.
Report a Concern
You can submit an identifiable report if you would like a member of staff to contact you and discuss available support and options.
This route can be used by both students and staff.
Anonymous Reporting
If you do not feel comfortable identifying yourself, you can submit an anonymous report.
You can also choose to use anonymous two-way messaging, allowing you to receive guidance and support whilst remaining anonymous.
What Happens Next?
If you submit a report, a trained member of staff will review the information provided.
Depending on the circumstances, this may include:
- safeguarding support
- advice and guidance
- discussion of reporting options
- signposting to specialist services
- consideration of informal resolution options
- consideration of formal procedures where appropriate
You will not be pressured into making a formal complaint.
Support Available
Students
Students may be able to access support through:
- Student Life
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Services
- Student Success Coaches
- Safeguarding Services
Staff
Staff may be able to access support through:
- Line Managers
- Human Resources
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Occupational Health Services
- Trade Union Representatives
- Safeguarding Services
Looking After Yourself
Experiencing bullying or harassment can affect wellbeing, confidence and your sense of belonging.
You may experience:
- anxiety
- stress
- low mood
- anger
- difficulty concentrating
- changes in sleep
- reduced confidence
These reactions are understandable.
Consider:
- speaking to somebody you trust
- seeking support from University services
- accessing professional support where appropriate
- taking time to prioritise your wellbeing
You do not need to manage this on your own.
Remember
Everyone has the right to study, work and participate in University life free from bullying, harassment, intimidation and discrimination.
The University is committed to creating an environment where concerns are taken seriously, individuals are treated fairly and support is available when it is needed.
If something does not feel right, we encourage you to seek advice or raise a concern.