Bullying is offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour involving the misuse of power that can make a person feel vulnerable, upset, humiliated, undermined or threatened.
Harassment is when someone intentionally or unintentionally violates a person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. This can interfere with an individual’s learning, working or social wellbeing. Bullying and harassment can be experienced in a variety of ways, including via social media. Some forms of harassment may involve sexual harassment or be considered a hate crime often motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person due to a protected characteristic.
Bullying and harassment are contrary to the Equality Act 2010 and the University’s Harassment and Bullying Procedure.
Think
Are you in immediate danger? If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured, you can call 999 (or 112 from a mobile). If you are on campus, you should tell Campus Safety (01483 68 3333) that the emergency services are on their way and give details of your location.
Find a safe space: if an incident has just happened, try and find somewhere you feel safe. If you are on campus and this isn't possible you can call Campus Safety on 01483 68 3333.
What are bullying and harassment? It might be useful to think about what is meant by bullying and harassment and how these behaviours are described.
Talk
To a friend or family member: talking things through with someone you trust can sometimes help.
Campus Safety: our Campus Safety team can talk through how to make a report and what support is available.
University of Surrey Students Union (USSU) can talk students through what options are available and support you through the process. This support includes checking draft complaints and attending any meetings with the University.
Trade unions are organised groups of workers who come together to support each other in the workplace. The University of Surrey recognises three campus trade unions (Unison, UCU and Unite) and encourages all employees to become members.
Report
Any incident of bullying or harassment, including those experienced online, can be reported.
Report and Support: students and staff can report an incident using the University’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can request support from a member of staff. If you choose to report with contact details, a member of staff will be able to talk through the options and support available to you. The University takes every report seriously and carefully considers what action to take.
Get support
Find out what support is available if you have been bullied or harassed.
Mental Health and wellbeing
1 in 4 people are affected by a mental health problem in any year and it is estimated that around 1 in 5 people have contemplated suicide or self-harm.
Find out more on the support available for mental health and wellbeing.
Take care of yourself: it’s important that you take care of yourself. If you’ve heard something distressing or if something is troubling you, the University's Centre for Wellbeing offers confidential help and is open to students free of charge.