Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Harassment?
2. What is Bullying?
3. Who experiences Harassment and Bullying?
4. If I make a complaint, do I have to reveal my name?
5. If I report an incident will I lose my job?
6. If I report an incident will it affect my studies/grades. Will I have to leave the University?
7. What options are open to me?
Harassment can be very upsetting, humiliating and destructive affecting the confidence and self esteem of an individual. It can be defined as improper, offensive and humiliating behaviour, practices or conduct.
Bullying is offensive and malicious behaviour which undermines an individual or group through persistently negative attacks. There is typically an unpredictable and irrational abuse of power or position that can manifest itself in physical, verbal or non-verbal forms. There is usually an element of vindictiveness attached to bullying and the behaviour is calculated to undermine, patronise, humiliate, intimidate or demean the recipient.
It is important to understand that harassment can happen to anyone irrespective of their age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or physical or mental ability/disability. Generally however, it should be recognized that some groups are more vulnerable to harassment and bullying than others.
You will need to let the Harassment Adviser have your name but this will be treated in confidence.
The University will take all complaints seriously and anyone seeking advice, making a complaint or assisting in an investigation shall be offered support and protection against intimidation, victimisation or discrimination. Retaliation against an individual for complaining about harassment is a disciplinary offence.
See above - there is no reason why reporting an incident will affect studies/grades or cause a student to have to leave the University.
Author: Human Resources (AEPL) Last modified: March 2009