The University's definition of bullying is:
'Bullying is offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, or a misuse of power that can make a person feel vulnerable, upset humiliated, undermined or threatened. Power is not restricted to being in a position of authority or influence, it can also include both personal strength and the power to coerce through fear or intimidation. Upward bullying is as serious as bullying from someone in a position of authority or influence.
Bullying can be in person, online or through any communication means. It may be verbal, in writing, or physical through gestures or otherwise. It maybe directed at an individual or group, occur in their presence or be otherwise communicated to them including by third parties or other means, and experienced by others even if not directed at them.
Conduct can be deemed as bullying whether it is intended to offend or not, providing that it does offend and that it can be reasonably considered for it to have that effect.'
The University's definition of harassment is:
'Harassment, including sexual harassment, is unwanted behaviour or conduct that has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity, or creating an intimidating, humiliating or offensive environment because of or related to one or more of the following protected characteristics: age; disability; gender reassignment; race; religion or belief; sex; and sexual orientation. The behaviour might be a serious one-off act, or it may be behaviour that is repeated over time.
Harassment can occur in many ways. It may be verbal, in writing, physical through gestures or otherwise, and it may be online, in-person or through any communication means. It maybe directed at an individual or group, occur in their presence or be otherwise communicated to them including by third parties or other means.
Conduct can be harassment even if it is not directed at the person who is harassed.'
Examples of bullying and harassment include (but are not limited to): ·
- Unwanted physical conduct or ‘horseplay’, including touching, pinching, pushing, grabbing, brushing past someone, invading their personal space and more serious forms of physical or sexual assault.
- Shouting at, ridiculing or demeaning others.
- Physical or psychological threats.
- Inappropriate and/or derogatory remarks about someone's performance.
- Abuse of authority or power by those in positions of seniority.
- Offensive or intimidating comments or gestures, or insensitive jokes or pranks.
- Racist, sexist, homophobic or ageist jokes, or derogatory or stereotypical remarks about a particular ethnic or religious group or gender.
- Outing or threatening to out someone as gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans.
- Mocking, mimicking or belittling a person’s disability.
- Ignoring or shunning someone, for example, by deliberately excluding them from a conversation or a social activity.
More information is provided in the University's Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy.
To report bullying or harassment to the University, please click here. For information on support please see here.