Bullying and harassment of any kind will not be tolerated at the School.
Bullying is offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, which may include an abuse or misuse of power, through means that threaten, undermine, humiliate, denigrate, take advantage of, or injure the recipient. Power does not always mean being in a position of authority, but can include both personal strength and the power to coerce through fear or intimidation.
Harassment may involve sexual harassment or be related to a protected characteristic such as age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Find out more about sexual harassment.
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. Find out more on hate crime.
Think
- Are you in immediate danger? If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured, you can call 999 (or 112 from a mobile).
- Find a safe space. If an incident has just happened try and find somewhere you feel safe. If this isn't possible and are on campus you can call security on extension 555 from the internal black phones located by the photocopiers in reception or on the 2nd, 3rd & 4th floors. Alternatively visit the 24 hour security desk in the Brunei Gallery.
- If you are on public transport in London. You can report to TFL.
- What are bullying and harassment? It might be useful to think about what is meant by bullying and harassment and how these behaviours are described.
Talk
- To a friend. Talking things through with someone you trust can sometimes help.
- Dignity Advisors An advisor can talk through the University's procedures, how to make a complaint and what support is available, in confidence.
- SOAS SU Student Advice Centre.Advisors provide an academic and welfare service that is confidential, free and independent of the University. They aim to give practical advice and advocacy to all SOAS Students.
Report
- Report and Support. Students and staff can report an incident using the University’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously.
- University Procedure. If you choose to make a formal complaint to the University about a student or member of staff there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow.
Get Support
Mental Health and Wellbeing
1 in 4 people is affected by a mental health problem in any year and it is estimated that around 1 in 5 people has contemplated suicide or self-harm.
- Find out more on the support available for mental health and wellbeing
- Take care of yourself. It’s important that you take care of yourself. If you’ve heard something distressing or if something is troubling you, the University's Student Advice and Wellbeing Service offers confidential help.