Harassment

Harassment 

If you’ve experienced harassment, it can leave you feeling hurt, frightened, anxious, angry or isolated.

Any form of harassment is unacceptable and against our policies [insert link to policies]

Harassment related to a protected characteristic and sexual harassment are prohibited under the Equality Act 2010. For more information about sexual harassment, please visit our dedicated support page. 

General harassment and stalking are prohibited under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

What is harassment?

Harassment is unwanted conduct that has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that person. The unwanted conduct can be physical, verbal or non-verbal.

Harassment by protected characteristic will be related to one or more of the following seven protected characteristics: sex, age, race/nationality, gender identity, sexuality, disability or religion/belief. It can be a one-off incident, a series or a pattern of incidents.

General harassment or stalking is when someone behaves in a way that causes you distress or alarm on more than one occasion. It doesn’t have to be violent. 

General harassment can include things like:

• Repeated unwanted contact (e.g., texts, emails, phone calls)
• Threatening or intimidating behaviour
• Damage to property
• Following or watching you

Some forms of harassment are considered a Hate Crime.  A hate incident or crime is any act of violence or hostility against a person or property that is motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person due to a particular protected characteristic.

What is stalking? 

Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted behaviour that causes you to feel distressed or scared. 

Stalking can happen with or without a fear of violence. This means that if you are receiving persistent unwanted contact that is causing you distress, but the person has never threatened you, this is still stalking and is not acceptable.  

Stalking is a form of harassment; stalkers have an obsession with the person they're targeting

Stalking may include: 

• Following or watching you
• Turning up uninvited at your home
• Hanging around somewhere they know you will be
• Identity theft (signing up to services, buying things in someone's name)
• Writing or posting online about you 

I have been subjected to harassment or stalking

Your safety and wellbeing

• Are you in danger? If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured, you can contact the emergency services on 999.
• Find a safe space. If you feel unsafe, find a trusted person or safe space immediately.
• Seek support. Consider whether you need medical support or emotional support (e.g., from a friend, family member, or a professional). Further information about support services [insert link] 

Document What Happened

• Write down what happened as soon as you can, including dates, times, places, and any witnesses.
• Keep any evidence (e.g., messages, emails, photos).
• This is helpful whether or not you decide to report it.

Consider reporting and seeking a resolution

• Report + Support. You can share the details of an incident using this platform. You can choose to do this anonymously or with your name and contact details. If you report with your name and contact details, you can request support from an advisor. If you choose to talk to an advisor, they will be able to talk through the options and support available to you, in confidence.
• University Procedures and Resolution. If you choose to make a report to the University about a student or member of staff, there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow and the possible resolutions available to you. Further information about procedures and resolution options. [insert link].
• Share anonymously. You can choose to share anonymously, meaning no identifying information has to be shared. This option also includes the ability to opt into continued communication with a case worker. Further information about anonymous reporting [insert link]. 
• Share with contact details. You can choose to share your experience and give your contact details so that you get a direct response. You can choose who your report goes to [insert link]. 
• Reporting to the police. Harassment is a criminal offence under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. You have the right to report it. You do not have to choose between reporting to the university or the police; you can do both [insert link to further information]. 

Take your time

• You don’t have to make decisions straight away. It’s okay to take the time you need to think about what’s right for you. 
• Take the time to read and understand what your options are.
• Request to speak to an advisor through Report + Support and discuss your options.

Consider Legal Protection

You might be able to apply for a restraining order or injunction to prevent further contact. Specialist organisations or legal advisers can help you explore this.

Where to get support

Organisations that can help you:

• Victim Support (www.victimsupport.org.uk)
• Citizens Advice (www.citizensadvice.org.uk)
• The National Stalking Helpline (www.suzylamplugh.org)
• Paladin - Stalking charity and young people’s service 16 - 24 (https://www.paladinservice.co.uk/) 

Visit our support services page [insert link] to see a list of support options available to you.

Someone I know has been subjected to harassment or stalking

Listen without judgement or interruption

• Let them lead the conversation — focus on what they want to share.
• Avoid asking “why” questions that could sound like blame.
• Use phrases like:
• • “Thank you for telling me.”
• • “That shouldn’t have happened to you.”
• • “I’m here for you.”

Believe them

• One of the most powerful things you can do is believe them.
• Avoid playing down what happened or making excuses for the perpetrator.

Offer practical help and options

• Ask what they would like from you:
• • “Would you like help reporting this?”
  • “Do you want me to come with you to speak to someone?”
  • “Would you like me to just sit with you while you decide?”
  • “Would you like me to walk home with you?”
• Help them explore their options, but don’t pressure them to take any particular action.
• Research options available to them (see section on I have experienced harassment or other pages on this site).

 Respect their decisions

• Whether they choose to report or not, that’s their choice.
• If they don’t feel safe or ready to report, respect that decision.

Look after yourself too

• Supporting someone through a difficult experience can also take an emotional toll on you. It’s okay to seek support yourself (without breaking their confidentiality).
• Know your limits of how much you can support someone and what is too much for you to offer.

 Challenge harassment when safe

• If you witness harassment in the future and feel it’s safe to do so, speak up or challenge it.
• Learn more about bystander interventions.