Adjusting to student life can be scary enough. But finding yourself a victim of harassment of any kind can make university hell.

Whatever you do DON'T SUFFER IN SILENCE , feel guilty or ashamed or decide to shut up and put up. Find confidential help and support and aim to put a stop to intimidation RIGHT NOW.

Sexual harassment is defined by unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal contact of a sexual nature. This can include:

•  Comments about a person's appearance,
•  Indecent remarks or innuendo, crude gender-specific name-calling or questioning about someone's sex life,
•  Unwanted invitations or gifts,
•  The visual display of offensive/pornographic material,
•  Unwanted sexual demands and threats,
•  Unwanted physical or sexual contact or conduct,
•  Physical intrusion or attack.

Remember, this list is by no means exhaustive. Typically, harassment creates an air of intimidation or humiliation, be it in the SU bar, the lecture theatre or inside the Halls of Residence and therefore infringes on a student's study or social life. Often, the harasser insinuates that something will or won't happen as a result of their victim failing to comply. The lazy phrases "I didn't mean anything by it" or "you can't take a joke" cut no ice. Remember: it's the effect on the victim that defines harassment, NOT the harasser's intentions!

It's also worth noting that just because a friend or peer finds somebody's behaviour amusing or inoffensive, it does not mean you are over-reacting or over-sensitive. Everybody has different tolerance levels and if yours are being pushed to the limits, then the situation is wholly unacceptable.

Never worry that 'everybody' will find out about your making a complaint, that you'll be laughed at, seen as a 'trouble maker' or that taking a stand will make things worse. Also, never assume you're the first person to report the harasser. Even if you are, who says you'll be the last? Look beyond the stereotype of 'sleazy geezer picking on a young female': age, gender or social standing is interchangeable where sexual harassment is concerned.

Being the victim of any type of harassment can cause extreme mental and physical stress, as well as diminishing self-esteem and confidence. Lives can quite literally be ruined as students start to avoid classes, neglect studies, withdraw socially, change halls or, in extreme cases, leave university altogether.

The Next Step:

What can you do?

•  Always remember: If you ignore it, it won't necessary go away,
•  Do get angry! Maybe your anger will fire you into action.
•  Don't do it alone. Confide in a mate, your personal tutor or another appropriate member of staff.
•  Boldly let your harasser know you're upset and angry - they may stop there and then.
•  Keep a written note of times and places harassment takes place.
•  Check your college/university website for details of support available, contacts/telephone numbers and their policy on sexual harassment. Often each university has it's own 'nightline' - a confidential telephone service open till late.
•  If none of the above proves successful, a formal complaint known as a 'grievance procedure' may have to be made.
•  If there is a serious threat or actual attack call the police immediately.

Important points of contact include: Your personal tutor, Student Union Women's Officer, the university counselling service, the Chaplain, your head of department, the warden at your halls of residence or maybe enquire to see if your university has a Sexual Harassment Officer / Advisor. There should also be a rape crisis line in your area. Remember, all meetings, chats or calls are typically conducted in the strictest of confidence.

Racial Harassment
As with any form of harassment, racial bullying can leave the victim with feelings of hopelessness, isolation and despair. The attacks (verbal, non-verbal or physical) are similar to those of with a sexual harassment, but here they're based on racial, religious or ethnically motives rather than being gender-specific.

Race specific elements include:

•  Abusive language or jokes,
•  Name-calling or patronizing behaviour or remarks,
•  The spread or display of written or visual offensive material including graffiti,
•  Physical threats, assaults or gestures,
•  Open or organized hostility,
•  Unfair allocation of work, responsibilities or exclusion from normal social interactions,
•  Inappropriate or intrusive questioning or pestering.

As well as attacks on sexuality, ethnicity and race, a person can be attacked on the basis of their sexual orientation, disability or simply because the harasser needs somebody to harass (i.e. plain old bullying). All forms of harassment should be tackled in the same way and always bear in mind, you are NOT TO BLAME!

www.cre.gov.uk
The Commission for Racial Equality

www.racialharassment.org.uk
The Racial Harassment Organisation

www.eoc.org.uk
The Equal Opportunities Commission

http://www.suzylamplugh.org
Suzy Lamplugh Trust
Advice on personal safety and stalking

Every university should have its own policy on all sorts of harassment, although some are more geared up to this than others. Ask your personal tutor or student counsellor for advice. If you are living in fear, do not hesitate to involve the police.