If you think someone you know has been sexually harassed there are lots of ways in which you can help them.
Understanding the behaviours associated with sexual harassment is a good place to start. Most people will be able to describe what has or is happening to them and how it's making them feel.
Sexual harassment is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature which violates your dignity, makes you feel intimidated, degraded or humiliated, or creates a hostile or offensive environment
Think
- Are they in immediate danger? If they 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 they feel safe. If this isn't possible and they are scared or fearful you can suggest they call security on extension 555.
- What is sexual harassment?It might be useful to think about what sexual harassment is and how some of the behaviours are described.
Talk
- Listen. Just taking the time to listen to someone and talk about what has happened can help. These six active listening tips might help you support them.
- Give options. When they have finished talking ask them if they are okay to talk through some possible options and next steps.
- Dignity Advisors. An advisor can talk through the University's procedures, how to make a complaint and what support is available, in confidence. Advisors can talk to someone who is experiencing something, or someone who is supporting that person.
Report
- Report and Support. Students and staff can anonymously report an incident using the University’s Report and Support system.
- University Procedure. If they choose to make a formal complaint to the University against a student or a 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.
- If you are worried or concerned find out more about how you can help them.
- 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 team offers confidential help