Bullying & Harassment

What is Bullying?

Bullying is unwanted, repeated behaviour, which is intended to inflict emotional or physical harm. Bullying usually involves a real or perceived power imbalance.

Examples of bullying behaviour include:

• Verbal bullying – name-calling, threats and taunting.
• Excluding someone and spreading rumours.
• Taking or breaking possessions.
• Physical bullying – spitting, tripping and pushing. 
• Cyberbullying.

What is Harassment?

Harassment is behaviour which causes distress or alarm. It can be threatening in nature.

Examples of harassment behaviour include:

• Unwanted communication such as phone calls, emails, messages, visits and
  online bullying.
• Threats.
• Being followed or turning up unexpectedly.

Harassment can also be targeted at an individual’s specific characteristics. Some of these characteristics are protected by law. Harassment targeted at these protected characteristics can be a criminal offence.

Protected characteristics are:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

How to Report It?

All students have the right to ask any member of the University, both students and staff, to stop behaving in a manner that is insulting, or offensive to them. It is understandable, however, that not everyone will feel confident enough to do this. There are some circumstances where this is inappropriate. Students can, (depending on the circumstances of each case) take action by using either the informal, and/or formal procedures outlined below.

Mediation

In certain situations, it may be appropriate and useful to attempt a mediation to resolve a conflict situation. The Student Union provides a Mediation Service for students, and for staff.

SU Mediation is an impartial and confidential service open to all Swansea students. Mediators are trained to be neutral and non-judgemental. They listen to everyone's issues, clarify underlying feelings, and encourage a mutual understanding. 

It is not the role of mediators to advise on solutions. Instead, they support individuals to generate their own ideas and agreements to improve their working relationship for the future. You can access mediation at any time, no matter what the issues are, how you're feeling, or who the conflict is with. 

It may be that you simply wish to talk an issue through. They can help you deal with issues with housemates, problems with supervisors, or other peers.

If a student thinks they are being harassed, they should keep a record of the incident(s) in order to recall what has been happening.

Stage 1:

In the first instance, the student being harassed should make it clear as soon as possible to the person causing offence, that their behaviour is unacceptable to them, if possible and appropriate to do so. A significant number of concerns can be resolved at this stage.

If the complainant feels unable to speak to the person causing offence, they could ask a sympathetic colleague/friend (who is a member of Swansea University), or a Students' Union representative, to go with them to speak to the person concerned, or to go in their place.

Where the complainant does not consider that it is appropriate, or possible for them to raise their concern with the alleged harasser, or their complaint remains unresolved thereafter, they should contact a harassment adviser (in accordance with Stage 2 below).

Stage 2:

The complainant can contact one of the University's trained Harassment Advisers, all of whom will be willing to discuss incidents, however large or small they seem. At this stage, they will listen sympathetically to the complainant’s problem, not making any judgements. Once the problem has been identified, the Harassment Adviser will be able to outline any appropriate actions. 

Any discussion will be confidential. Further action would not be taken, without the express permission of the complainant. (The exception to this is where a criminal act takes place, and the University has a legal responsibility to take appropriate action).

Stage 3:

The Harassment Adviser, together with the complainant, will implement the option(s) decided upon under Stage 2. For example, it could be agreed that the Harassment Adviser will send an e-mail to the alleged harasser, outlining the complaint. They could meet with the alleged harasser (with or without the complainant), to try to facilitate a resolution.

Any explanation, apology, or other response (verbally, by email or in writing) offered by the alleged harasser, should be passed back to the complainant by the harassment adviser. The ideal outcome is that problems are resolved, although this does not mean that there will be a punishment.

If following the initial action outlined above, the harassment continues or is of a more serious nature than can be dealt with by means of the above, a formal written complaint can be made, in accordance with the Formal Procedures. The University’s Harassment Advisers should be contacted for advice about these procedures. 

If the matter cannot be resolved under the informal procedures, or where a complaint is of a more serious nature, then a formal written complaint may be made to the Director of Academic Services.

The Director of Academic Services (or nominee) will refer the complaint to the appropriate Head of College/Department (or their nominee), to investigate. Where appropriate, in the circumstances of the case, assistance will be provided to the Head of College/Department/nominee from the Academic Registry and/or Human Resources. 
Unless mediation is attempted, the Head of College/Department/nominee shall report in writing on the outcome of his/her investigation, to the Director of Academic Services. They will notify the complainant in writing, as to whether the complaint has been found to be substantiated, and (unless the need to maintain confidentiality prevails) the findings made.

Where the outcome of the report recommends that disciplinary action may be required, the Director of Academic Services shall:

1. Where the complaint is regarding another student - refer the report to be dealt with by a member of the Academic Registry, in accordance with the University’s Student Disciplinary Procedures;

Or

      2. Where the complaint is against a member of staff - refer the report to the Director of Human Resources, to be dealt with in accordance with the Staff Discipline  Procedures [details of which can be obtained from Human Resources].

Dignity at Work and Study Policy

Swansea University has a dignity at work and study policy. It expects all students and staff to adhere to, when conducting themselves as members of the University. It aims to ensure that all individuals are free from harassment, not being targeted for having any protected characteristics.
You can find the Dignity to work and study policy in the ‘Further support’ section.

Support within the University

If you are experiencing difficulties, and are unsure of what to do or who to speak to, please get in touch with Welfare@CampusLife. We can provide a safe space to discuss any issues confidentially, and can provide you with advice and support about your possible options. Welfare email. 

The Students Union Advice Centre 

The Students Union Advice and Support Centre gives free, independent, and confidential advice and representation to Swansea University students. Their service is run by experienced, friendly advisors who are available for private appointments during weekdays. You can contact them by emailing advice@swansea-union.co.uk

Dignity At Work And Study Policy. 

This policy will explain in detail the protocols of how the University deal with Bullying and Harassment. 

Listening Service

Faith@CampusLife's listening service offers a listening ear to whoever needs it – irrespective of religion, if any. These chats can happen via phone or video calling, whichever you feel most comfortable using. If you would like to speak to a particular member of the team then please indicate who that is when you contact them. To access this service please contact Listeningservice.campuslife@swansea.ac.uk 

Wellbeing

Wellbeing - Swansea University’s Wellbeing Service can offer students support such as, access to stress control course, self-help resources, group programmes, one off support sessions and counselling. You can contact Wellbeing by emailing wellbeingdisability@swansea.ac.uk 
You can request support by filling out their request form here. 

Residence Life Assistants

For students living in Singleton, Beck or Bay there are Residential Life assistants available to you. Think of them as a friendly face; someone who can give you pastoral and practical support, as well as signposting you to other services.  You can contact the Residence Life Assistants by emailing: Residence.Campuslife@swansea.ac.uk

Togetherall

Togetherall is a digital mental health service freely available at togetherall.com. Using your University email address, you can anonymously access support 24/7 with trained clinicians online at all times, as well as a range of helpful tools and resources. It is a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively and learn how to manage your mental health. You can access it here: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/wellbeing/togetherall/

Security

Swansea University offers a safe, secure and welcoming experience for students, staff and visitors.  We have a security tea, operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  They offer emergency response, proactive crime prevention, security patrol, first aid, and lots more support.  

If you are in immediate danger, then please call 999.

If you are on Campus you can also contact Campus Security Services during office hours - by dialling 333 from any internal telephone or by using our SafeZone app.

Outside office hours, or from a mobile phone- by calling the University Switchboard on (01792) 205678 or by using the Safe Zone app.

External Support

Samaritans

If you need information or you are worried about something, feel upset or confused, or you just want to talk to someone, the SAMARITANS provide confidential emotional support, 24 hours a day. Contact the Samaritans by email or at www.samaritans.org  or phone (from the UK) 08457 90 90 90 or 116 123 from a mobile.

Victim Support

As an independent charity, Victim Support work towards a world where people affected by crime or traumatic events get the support they need and the respect they deserve. They  help people feel safer and find the strength to move beyond crime. The support is free, confidential and tailored to your needs. Check out their website for more information. You can also call the free information line on  08 08 16 89 111

MIND

Mind offers information, signposting and legal advice for issues related to mental health Click here to access Mind's Website.

Student Minds 

Empowers students and members of the University community to look after their own mental health, support others and create change Click here to access their Website