Bullying and abuse

Bullying, abuse and harassment can be very damaging to anyone's confidence, and especially at university where as a student you may feel less powerful than members of staff or you may be forced to have close contact with a fellow student who is making you feel uncomfortable.

The University of Southampton does not tolerate breaches of its codes: see our Dignity at Work and Study policy for more information.

Bullying or abuse

Bullying or abuse is offensive behaviour that violates a person's dignity in an subtle or aggressive way. It is any behaviour that makes the recipient feel upset, threatened, humiliated or vulnerable and undermines their self-confidence.

Examples of bullying:

• Preventing an individual progressing by unjustifiably restricting choice of study options or access to tuition, or intentionally blocking promotion or training opportunities.
• Psychological intimidation, humiliation, excessive and/or unreasonable criticism or fault-finding of a colleague or peer.
• Unfair allocation of work and responsibilities or setting unreasonable goals or targets in work or study, including both above and beneath reasonable expectations.
• Asserting a position of intellectual superiority in an aggressive, abusive or offensive manner whether orally or in writing, publicly or in private.

Harassment

Harassment encompasses many different types of physical, verbal and non-verbal conduct. It can occur as an isolated incident, many sporadic incidents, or on-going behaviour. Harassment that is related to an individual’s or group’s age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation can constitute unlawful discrimination, for which staff and students can be held legally and personally liable.

Examples of harassment:

• Behaviour that is unwanted and unwelcome.
• Behaviour that subjects a person or group of people to intimidation, humiliation, ridicule, offence, loss of privacy or dignity, or creates an environment which is hostile, intimidating or offensive to that person or group of people.
• Behaviour that is unwarranted by the working, study or social relationship between those involved and would be regarded as such by any similarly situated reasonable person.
• If you are or suspect you may be having difficulties associated with bullying, abuse or harassment, please explore the links below or contact the Student Hub for support.