AberPride :: Resources

Staying Safe

What is harassment?

It is any unwanted conduct which is perceived as unwelcome and unacceptable by the recipient and affects the dignity of the individual whether at work or in a social situation. It can be bullying or any other behaviour which creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment and may be based on sex, race, disability, age, or other personal characteristics.

Where can I go for help?

The society soc@aberpride.org.uk
The Union Student Advice and Counselling Centre http://www.aberguild.co.uk/services/sacc/index.htm
University Harassment Network http://www.aber.ac.uk/human-resources/harassment/
University Welfare Officer http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/welfare/
University Equal Opportunities Officer http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/equal-opps/
The police online reporting at www.report-it.org.uk

Does bullying happen at uni?

Bullying can happen wherever you are, be it school, university or even work.

If you feel you are being bullied contact the Union Welfare and Advice officer (http://www.aberguild.co.uk/services/sacc/index.htm) or the Harassment Network (http://www.aber.ac.uk/human-resources/harassment/).

Keep safe and be streetwise *

stay alert, awareness is your best defence
leave venues with friends wherever possible
be confident - even if you don't feel it
walk as if you know where you are going
trust your instincts: if you think something is wrong then act on it
have your keys in your hand when you reach your home or car
keep money for taxis, the expense is worth it
carry a personal alarm and use it

What should I do if I’m attacked? *

make as much noise as you can
as soon as you can, go somewhere you know is safe
get help immediately
in an emergency dial 999 or 112
if you have the confidence, tell the police why you think you were attacked
if you have been attacked, don't shower or change your clothes, it may destroy evidence
if you have had your keys taken, change the locks
don't drink alcohol, you need to give a clear account of what happened
report the incident to the police (www.report-it.org.uk)

Internet safety tips *

The internet provides endless opportunities to meet people from all over the world. You must however remember to use common sense. It's easy to get swept-up into a fantasy world, but reality begs for us to use caution.

don't give out personal details, photographs, or any other information that could be used to identify you, your family, or where you live
don't take other people at face value - they may not be what they seem
never arrange to meet someone you've only ever previously met on the internet, without telling a friend and giving them as much detail about the person that you're meeting
don't open an attachment or downloaded files unless you know and trust the person who has sent it
never respond directly to anything you find disturbing - log off, and report it

Report It!!

If you feel abused, harassed at Uni please let us know, if we know about it we can pass the relevant information on to people who can make a difference. You can report anything to us at: soc@aberpride.org.uk or the Union LGBT Officer at union.lgb@aber.ac.uk

There is an online reporting form for the police at www.report-it.org.uk please use it!

You can also contact the Harassment Network details can be found here: http://www.aber.ac.uk/human-resources/harassment/

If we stick together, and make ourselves heard, we can make our world happier and safer.

AberPride Society

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