Harassment and Bullying
Harassment comes in many forms and is hard to define. People are harassed for many reasons, e.g. race, disability, gender, sexuality, appearance etc. The Students' Union and the University promote an 'Equal Opportunities and Safe Space Policy' to ensure that ALL students and staff are able to work in a safe environment free from harassment or bullying. Any cases of harassment are taken extremely seriously and action will be taken against offenders.
Sexual Harassment can include suggestive or derogatory remarks; unnecessary and unwelcome physical contact; displaying offensive material e.g. pornography; unwelcome requests for sexual encounters; written abuse; indecent exposure; sexual/physical assault.
Racial Harassment can include verbal/written abuse; racist graffiti; name-calling, insults or jokes; racist assumptions; exclusion from conversation or events; ridicule of cultural differences; verbal or physical threats/abuse.
Other forms of harassment can include bullying; persistent teasing; homophobic remarks; comments about personal characteristics; comments about disabilities; unfounded criticism of performance; persistent phone calls, e-mails or letters.
Who is affected by harassment?
Most of us have experienced some type of harassment at some time during our lives and are aware how demeaning it can be and how unhappy it can make us feel.
The University has an Anti-Harassment Network consisting of students and staff, who are trained to advise anyone who feels they have been harassed or bullied. These staff and student volunteers are fully aware of all the options available - from informal resolution to formal disciplinary procedures and are there if you just want to talk. All cases of harassment reported are treated in the strictest confidence and no further action will be taken without your express permission.If you are interested in becoming an Anti-Harassment Adviser, contact the Network Co-ordinator, Marlene Bertrand ext. 3098 or email M.A.Bertrand@bath.ac.uk for more details.
FURTHER INFORMATION
AWARE, 1 East Level 3, Tel: (38) 6906
Nightline, 1 East Level 3, Tel: (38) 3030
Victim Support Tel: 01225 444212
Anti-Harrassment Network