As part of the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence, learn about what you can do if you or someone you know experiences bullying and harassment.
At the University of Kent, we want to create a safe and supportive environment for all students and staff, and make it clear to all in our community that bullying and harassment are not acceptable.
Bullying only happens in the playground, right?
Bullying and harassment can take subtle forms and happen at universities and in workplaces. Bullying is defined by ACAS (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) as ‘offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, an abuse or misuse of power through means intended to undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the other person’. If you’ve been talked down to at society meetings, if there’s a housemate who makes jokes at your expense when you’ve asked them not to, if you feel singled out or excluded in social settings, if you’ve received unwanted messages or been put down on social media – you have experienced bullying, and can get support. These behaviours could also be prompted by discrimination for a protected characteristic, such as being made fun of/ excluded/ insulted because of one’s faith, disability, race, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, and age. Bullying and harassment undermine the core values of the University and create a negative working, learning and living environment, and we think everyone in our community deserves better.
How can you get help?
If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying or harassment, you can get help from the University by visiting the Report + Support tool, which can help you get support and report an incident.
Listed below are some useful guidance links:
- I’m experiencing harassment and/or bullying
- Someone I know is experiencing harassment and/or bullying
- Further support and resources available (Online Harassment and Stalking).
You can submit a report or get support through the Report + Support tool. If you are unsure on how to submit a report, take a look at this video guide.
Even if you report anonymously, you’ll be helping our campuses stay safe. Our team will review information monthly to identify any areas of concern that need to be addressed, and we’ll intervene as necessary. Remember, we’re here to support you. You can also learn more on this topic and how to be an active bystander by accessing the Expect Respect module in Moodle. #GetSupport
Who can help at Kent?
‘I’m Ally, I am a Specialist Wellbeing Adviser supporting students who experience bullying and harassment, discrimination and/or hate incidents. I provide practical support and can help students to process information about further support, and how to make a formal report if they wish to. There is never any pressure or judgement on students to report, and my main aim is to provide a safe space for students to talk about what they have been through.’ Ally Staddon – Specialist Wellbeing Adviser
If you would like to speak to specialist staff about an incident, contact Student Support and Wellbeing and ask for a specialist wellbeing adviser.
Join us in making our university the safest it can be – take control, get support, and build a safer community. #InclusiveKent
Written by Kamila, Ally and Natalia, Student Services staff, on 07.03.23