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Bullying and Harassment (What you can do if you are victim)

 

ACAS defines harassment and bullying as:

“Harassment, in general terms is: unwanted conduct affecting the dignity of men and women in the workplace. It may be related to age, sex, race, disability, religion, nationality or any personal characteristic of the individual, and may be persistent or an isolated incident. The key is that the actions or comments are viewed as demeaning and unacceptable to the recipient. Harassment can also have a specific meaning under certain laws (for instance if harassment is related to sex, race or disability, it may be unlawful discrimination). From December 2003 the law also gives protection against harassment relating to religion or belief and sexual orientation.

Bullying may be characterised as: offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, an abuse or misuse of power through means intended to undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient. Bullying or harassment may be by an individual against an individual (perhaps by someone in a position of authority such as a manager or supervisor) or involve groups of people. It may be obvious or it may be insidious. Whatever form it takes, it is unwarranted and unwelcome to the individual.”

Why is this big issue?

Bullying and harassment may cause feelings of anxiety and humiliation. Some people respond by retaliating in some way. Others may become frightened and lose motivation. Stress, loss of self-confidence and self-esteem caused by harassment or bullying can lead to insecurity, illness and absence from lectures. Some students may even want to withdraw from their studies.

The University Student Behaviour Policy  informs students and staff, of the behaviour it expects of students, based upon it's commitment to Diversity and Equality. It explains the general principles involved and the support available to students who feel they are the subject of harassment

What can I do if I am being bullied?

• You will need to use the University Complaints Procedure

• This procedure covers incidents which are defined as being any form of abuse, harassment or bullying

• This includes incidents based on gender, race, physical abilities, sexual orientation, religion or age.

Who Can Complain?

• current or previous students (studying at Staffordshire University within the last 12 months), individually or in a group
• anyone seeking or receiving a service from the University or anyone who is affected by the activities of the University

The University cannot take any action on anonymous complaints or complaints raised on behalf of an anonymous third party.

If you believe you are being harassed or bullied, consult an adviser at the Student Advice Centre
• We can advise you on the University regulations and procedures
• Accompany you to meetings/interviews
• Help you prepare your case and written statement
• Direct you to other sources of help

You can also report incidences of bullying by email to bullying@staffs.ac.uk

Harassment and the Law

Harassment is not specifically defined in law. However, causing alarm or distress, either physically or verbally, are both considered forms of harassment. Such acts may constitute a criminal offence.
(Protection from Harassment Act 1997)

If your personal safety is threatened in any way, or you are the victim of an assault, then contact the Police. Officers are based on campus, at the CopShop, for the protection of both students and staff.

Health and Bullying

• If you find your mental health is suffering the university provides a confidential Counselling Service

• Please consult your GP if your physical health is being affected.

• If you are unable to complete exams and assignments you may want to consider applying for extenuating circumstances.

Additional information:

• Beat Bullying
• Educational Action Challenging Homophobia (EACH)
• Bullying Online
• Anti Bullying Network
• TUC Bullied at work

Remember: we do our best to link to only the best external sites but we cannot be held responsible for the quality or accuracy of such websites.

Please let us know if you find any broken links: we can't check everything all the time, but if you let us know what's missing we can go hunting for it and let you know where it's moved to.

 

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