Harassment
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.
Harassment is never acceptable.
Everyone has the right to study, work and participate in University life free from intimidation, hostility, humiliation or unwanted behaviour.
If you have experienced harassment, witnessed harassment, or are concerned about someone else, support is available.
What is Harassment?
Under the Equality Act 2010, harassment is unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic which has the purpose or effect of:
- violating a person's dignity; or
- creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.
Protected characteristics include:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
The University also recognises that inappropriate, offensive or intimidating behaviour can have a significant impact on individuals, even where it does not fall within a specific protected characteristic.
What Does Harassment Look Like?
Harassment can occur in many different ways and may happen:
- face-to-face
- online
- through social media
- by email, text message or telephone
- during teaching activities
- in the workplace
- on placement
- in student accommodation
- during University events or social activities
Harassment can be a single serious incident or a pattern of behaviour over time.
Examples of Harassment
Harassment may include:
- unwanted physical contact
- invading someone's personal space
- offensive comments, jokes or gestures
- intimidating or threatening behaviour
- mocking or belittling a person's disability
- racist, sexist, homophobic or transphobic remarks
- derogatory comments relating to religion or belief
- unwanted comments about pregnancy, maternity or family circumstances
- deliberately excluding someone from activities, discussions or opportunities
- displaying offensive images, messages or materials
- Repeated unwanted communication
- , online harassment, or cyberbullying
These examples are not exhaustive.
Harassment Can Affect Anyone
A person does not have to be the intended target of behaviour to be affected by it.
For example, someone may experience harassment because offensive comments, jokes or behaviour create an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment around them.
If You Have Experienced Harassment
If you have experienced harassment, you may choose to:
- seek support
- speak to someone you trust
- discuss the matter informally
- Report the behaviour to the University
- access safeguarding support
- Seek advice before deciding what action to take
You do not need to make a formal complaint to receive support.
If You Have Witnessed Harassment
If you have witnessed harassment or are concerned about someone else, you can:
- Check on the well-being of the person affected
- encourage them to seek support
- Submit a Report a Concern referral
- make an anonymous report
- Seek advice if you are unsure what to do
Support for Students
Students can access support through:
- Student Life Student Life - University of Wolverhampton
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Services Mental Health and Wellbeing Advice - University of Wolverhampton
- Disability and Inclusion Support Accessibility, Disability & Inclusion - University of Wolverhampton
- Safeguarding Services Safeguarding - University of Wolverhampton
Support for Staff
Staff can access support through:
- Line Managers
- Human Resources
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Staff Support - University of Wolverhampton
- Occupational Health Services
- Safeguarding Services Safeguarding - University of Wolverhampton
Report Harassment
The University encourages students and staff to report harassment so that appropriate support can be offered and concerns can be addressed.
You can:
- Submit a Report a Concern referral
- Make an anonymous report
- Seek advice before deciding whether to take further action
Immediate Risk
If you believe someone is at immediate risk of harm, or a crime is in progress:
Call 999
Do not wait for a Report + Support submission to be reviewed before seeking emergency assistance.
Our Commitment
The University of Wolverhampton is committed to fostering a culture of dignity, respect and inclusion.
Reports of harassment will be taken seriously and considered in line with University policies, procedures and our commitment to providing a safe environment for all members of our community.