It Has Happened to Someone I Know
If you are worried that someone has experienced harassment, bullying, discrimination or other unwanted behaviour, support is available.
You may be concerned about a friend, fellow student, colleague, learner, placement student or another member of the University community.
People who experience harassment do not always feel able to report it themselves. By listening, offering support, and helping someone access advice, you may play an important role in keeping them safe and ensuring they access the support they need.
What is Harassment?
Harassment is unwanted behaviour that has the purpose or effect of:
- violating a person's dignity; or
- creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.
Harassment can be:
- physical
- verbal
- non-verbal
- written
- online
- intentional or unintentional
It may occur as a single serious incident or as a pattern of behaviour over time.
Harassment May Relate To
Protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 include:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race or ethnicity
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
The University recognises that harassment can have a significant impact on individuals even where it does not relate to a protected characteristic.
Harassment is unacceptable in all forms.
Examples of Harassment
Harassment may include:
- unwanted physical contact
- touching, pushing, grabbing or invading personal space
- offensive comments, gestures or jokes
- intimidating or threatening behaviour
- mocking or belittling a person's disability
- racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic or age-related remarks
- derogatory comments relating to religion or belief
- outing or threatening to out somebody's sexual orientation or gender identity
- deliberately excluding someone from activities, discussions or social situations
- online harassment or cyberbullying
- Repeated unwanted communication
These examples are not exhaustive.
Harassment Can Affect More Than the Intended Target
A person does not need to be the direct target of behaviour to be affected by it.
For example, offensive comments, jokes or behaviour directed towards one group may create an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment for others.
If something does not feel right, it is appropriate to seek advice or raise a concern.
How Can You Help?
Listen
Allow the person to talk about their experience without judgment.
Take Them Seriously
Experiences of harassment can have a significant impact on confidence, well-being, and sense of safety.
Avoid Investigating Yourself
You do not need to gather evidence or establish whether University policies have been breached.
Encourage Support
Encourage the person to seek support and consider the reporting options available to them.
Seek Advice
If you are unsure what to do, you can seek advice or raise a concern on their behalf.
Reporting a Concern
If you are worried about another person, you can use the University's Report + Support system.
You can:
Submit a Report, a Concern Referral
This allows the University to review the concern and consider whether support or intervention may be required.
Submit an Anonymous Report
Anonymous reports help the University identify patterns, trends and emerging concerns and may assist where multiple reports are received regarding the same behaviour, location or individual.
Immediate Risk
If somebody is at immediate risk of harm, a crime is in progress, or emergency assistance is required:
Call 999
Do not wait for a report to be reviewed.
Support Available for Students
Students may be able to access support through:
- Student Life
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Services
- Disability and Inclusion Support
- Safeguarding Services
Support Available for Staff
Staff may be able to access support through:
- Line Managers
- Human Resources
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Occupational Health Services
- Safeguarding Services
What Happens After a Concern is Raised?
Reports are reviewed by appropriately trained staff who will consider:
- the nature of the concern
- any risks identified
- support needs
- appropriate next steps
Depending on the circumstances, this may include:
- safeguarding intervention
- welfare support
- advice and guidance
- signposting to specialist services
- consideration of informal or formal resolution processes
Remember
If you are worried about someone, it is better to seek advice or raise a concern than to do nothing.
You do not need to have all the answers before asking for help.
The University is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful environment where concerns are taken seriously, and support is available to all members of our community.