Bullying and Harassment

BULLYING AND HARASSMENT

Acts of violence, or any behaviour that leaves you feeling harassed, bullied, intimidated, abused or discriminated against are not acceptable. You have a right to feel safe at University. The University have policies in place to deal with incidents of this nature. There are also other ways to report and receive support for any incident affecting you.

I AM BEING DISCRIMINATED AGAINST, BULLIED OR HARASSED. HOW CAN I SEEK HELP?

All students have the right to study in an environment which is free from harassment, discrimination and bullying. Allegations of harassment and bullying will be treated very seriously by the University and may result in disciplinary action being take against the perpetrator.

Discrimination, bullying or harassment can be online (via social media and email), as well as face-to-face. If you feel you have experienced discrimination, bullying or harassment, there are a number of ways you can both report the incident, as well as seek support for yourself.

The University's definition of harassment is 'any unwanted conduct which causes an individual to experience alarm or distress'. Bullying is characterised by the University as being 'offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, an abuse or misuse of power through means intended to undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient'.

REPORTING

TO THE POLICE

If you consider yourself to be under physical threat or serious risk of harm, you should always contact the police in the first instance. To make a report to the police you can call 101 or in an emergency 999. You can also report an incident online here.

TO THE UNIVERSITY

The University has a Policy which you can follow if you have been subject to any form of harassment or bullying. Please note that this is separate to reporting an incident to the police and does not constitute reporting a crime. More information about how to make a complaint of this type is available here.

The University provides a Report and Support tool that enables staff, students, and visitors to report incidents of bullying and harassment, hate incidents, sexual misconduct, and domestic abuse. Reports can be submitted either anonymously or with your contact details. A range of support services is available for those affected. For more information and to access the tool, please visit: Report + Support - Report + Support - Durham University

SUPPORT

If you feel like you have been a victim of harassment or bullying, it is recommended that you seek support. You can seek support from:

THE UNIVERSITY

The University operate a network of Harassment Contacts who can be approached by students. These contacts are there to listen, support and explain what options are available to you. A list of Harassment Contacts is available here.

Report and Support allows staff, students, and visitors to report bullying, harassment, hate incidents, sexual misconduct, and domestic abuse. Reports can be made anonymously or with your details. Find out more here.

YOUR COLLEGE

You can contact your college support office for general guidance and wellbeing support if you have been subject to any incidents of harassment or bullying. Your college will be able to help, particularly if the instance of harassment has occurred within the college, as they may have college-specific procedures that you can follow.

UNIVERSITY COUNSELLING SERVICE

For instances in which you feel your studies or wellbeing are being impacted by any form of harassment or bullying, you should contact the University Counselling Service. Find our more information here.

THE STUDENTS' UNION

Independent support is also available to students through the Advice Service at the Students' Union. If you would like to seek support from the Students' Union please submit a ticket.

NIGHTLINE

If you would like to talk to another student confidentiality, Nightline is a student-run, non-directive, non-advisory listening service open during term time in nighttime hours. You can find their most up to date opening times and number on their website. You can also contact them on their website using a messenger feature and find their number on the back of your campus card.