If you think someone you know has been sexually harassed there are lots of ways in which you can help them.
Understanding the behaviours associated with sexual harassment is a good place to start. Most people will be able to describe what has or is happening to them and how it's making them feel.
Think
- What is sexual harassment. It might be useful to think about what constitutes sexual harassment.
Talk
- Listen. Just taking the time to listen to someone and talk about what has happened to them can help. If someone you know has been affected, you can encourage them to seek support. It’s important to listen to what they want to do and respect the decision they make. If they do not wish to seek support or report what has happened to them, you can ask them if you can make a report on their behalf without providing their personal details.
- Thank the person for the disclosure and acknowledge that you believe them.
- Give options. When they have finished talking ask them if they are okay to talk through some possible options and next steps. Remember, it is important that they decide what they want to do
- City St George's Dignity and Respect Advisers are a group of staff volunteers trained to provide confidential advice and support to students and staff who are concerned about bullying or harassment. They can assist by acting as a sounding board, exploring options available and helping with the understanding of City St George's policies and procedures. Information for students on Dignity and Respect Advisers is available on the Student Hub and for staff it is available on the Staff Hub.
Report
- Students and staff can report an incident using City St George's Report and Support platform. They can choose to do this without providing their personal details or they can request support from an adviser by filling in the form with their contact details.
- Reporting to Transport for London. If they have experienced sexual harassment on public transport in London they can report this to TfL.
- University Procedure. If they choose to make a formal complaint to the University about a student or member of staff there are procedures which set out the steps you will need to follow. See staff and student policies and procedures.
What support is available?
There are many ways to access support at City St George's and a number of external organisations that provide specialist support. You can encourage the person to access the support they need.
Your mental health and wellbeing
If you are supporting someone, make sure that you look after yourself. If you’ve heard something distressing or if something is troubling you, you may also want to access support for yourself.
For students
Students can connect with staff across the University:
- Student Health and Wellbeing provide students with practical, emotional and specialist disability related support. Students can complete the e-referral form to access these services.
- Student Support Services are a multi-disciplinary team that provides support, expert advice and guidance to students. You can contact them through our Support@City platform
- The Chaplaincy Team offer pastoral support to everyone, welcoming every faith, belief and culture and students with no faith, and can be contacted directly.
- The SU Advice Service offer support for students who have experienced any form of harassment, bullying or sexual violence, either on campus, online or off campus. You can access support here.
For staff
- Vivup, City St George's Employee Assistance Provider (0800 023 9324) - Their telephone helpline provides staff members with expert support for life's ups and downs - 24/7, 365 days a year. Whatever mental, physical, financial or personal issue you're facing, you can find a wide range of resources to help you.
- The Wellbeing@City Hub provides details of additional information and support on wellbeing for staff members.