Bullying & Harrassment
The University of Essex is an international, diverse and multicultural community. It is expected that all staff and students should be treated with dignity and respect. Harassment and bullying behaviour is considered unacceptable and the Students' Union and the University take a zero tolerance approach to harassment, hate crime, bullying and sexual violence.
If you feel you are being harassed or experiencing behaviour that is unwelcome, inappropriate, intimidating or offensive you are encouraged to speak to somebody about this. SU Advice is a confidential and impartial service and we can offer advice and support on how to deal with harassment and who to speak to if you wish to report this behaviour. SU Advice and the University are also Hate Incident Reporting Centres - this means we can support you to report incidents of hate crime to the police. You can find out more about the Hate incident Reporting Centre here.
For more information about the University's stance on Harassment and Bullying please see the University’s Equality and Diversity policy pages.
What is sexual harrassment?
Sexual harassment is unwanted behaviour of sexual nature and/or the inappropriate use of sexual comments or activities. Sexual harassment may be something that makes you feel violated, intimidated, degraded or humiliated. It is totally unacceptable and anyone who reports an incident will always be believed and supported.
Reporting Incidents
In an emergency:If you feel in immediate danger you should contact the appropriate emergency services. If you are off-campus this would be contacting 999 to request emergency police support. If you are on campus, you are advised to contact Campus Patrol Staff in the first instance - they can then arrange for emergency services to gain access to campus as necessary. You can contact your campus Patrol Staff in an emergency situation as follows:
- Colchester Campus - contact the Information Centre on Square 3 or by calling 2222 or 01206 872222
- Loughton Campus - during office hours (9am - 5pm) contact the main Reception on 5983 or 0208 508 5983. Between 5pm and midnight (Monday - Saturday) contact Security on 07825 670709.
In a non-emergency situation: If you wish to report the behavior of an individual member of the University/group of individuals from the University, the University operates a Report and Support system for reporting any type of bullying, harasment, sexual violence, hate crime or discrimination. Reports can be made in two ways:
- Reporting to an adviser - choosing to report in this way will mean your contact details will be sent to a University adviser. They will be in contact with you within 3 days of you making the report to discuss the report and your wellbeing and options. You can also request the University to take action on the report when you submit it. This would mean the report is sent to the appropriate team for investigation (e.g. Student Conduct, University HR etc).
- Reporting anonymously - if you choose this option, you will not be contacted following the submission of your report. The University would be unable to take action on anonymous reports but the information provided will be used to provide statistical information and to inform the Universitys proactive and preventative work on tackling sexual violence, harassment, hate crimes and bullying.
If you wish to discuss the options, or would like help to submit a report, you are welcome to contact SU Advice and one of our advisers would be happy to discuss this and support you through the process.
Standing up!
In some cases you may find that you see or witness a situation, or discussion that makes you or another person feel uneasy and you may be in a position to stand up and intervene.
Before you can intervene effectively, it is vital to think about your own personal safety and the safety of those around you. Once you’ve assessed this, you can intervene in the following three ways:
- Direct: this approach can be used to address your friends and people you know. Do not use this method in situations that can risk your own safety. You can ask them, "Hey, what’s going on?" or "Is everything okay?" Make your presence known and that you're not happy with what’s occurring.
- Delegate: in situations that are potentially dangerous or the harassment or assault is physical, contact the closest authority figure. Depending on where the incident is happening and what type of harassment or assault has occurred, you should contact campus security on Square 3, your department, Students' Union security staff, your Resident Assistant or local police.
- Distract: confrontation can be uncomfortable and awkward for many people. However, sometimes causing a distraction between the parties involved can be a simple solution to prevent a serious problem. Pretending to you know the persons involved or distracting them is an easy way to shift the focus.
- Watch the University Stand Up! video on Vimeo
- Stand Up! Essex won't replace the current mechanisms used to support people affected or how they report instances of sexual violence. It acts as an additional way to support our stand against sexual violence on our campuses.
DON'T BE A PRICK. SPIKING IS A CRIME.
Spiking isn’t a prank. It’s assault
If someone spikes a drink, a vape, or uses a needle, that’s a criminal offence. Full stop.
If you’ve been spiked, it’s not your fault. Ever.
We’ll take it seriously, and we’ll help you get safe and supported.
What spiking looks like
Spiking can happen in different ways.
- Drink spiking – when alcohol or drugs are added to a drink without someone knowing.
- Needle spiking – when someone injects drugs directly into the body using a needle.
- Date rape drugs – substances like GHB, Rohypnol or Ketamine, sometimes used to incapacitate someone.
- Food, vape or smoke spiking – rarer, but still possible; if something feels off, trust your gut.
If it doesn’t feel right, don’t drink or eat it. Tell staff straight away.
Symptoms to look out for
Spiking can affect people differently, but common signs include:
- Dizziness or confusion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sudden fatigue or loss of balance
- Feeling drunker than expected
- Memory loss or blurred vision
- Pins and needles, especially with needle spiking
If you or your mate suddenly feel “off”, act fast.
How to help a friend
If you think someone’s been spiked:
- Stay with them - don’t let them leave alone.
- Tell staff or security immediately - they’re trained to help.
- Call 999 if they’re unresponsive or in danger.
- Keep the drink (if possible) - it can be tested later.
- Help them get medical care and support.
You’re never a burden for speaking up. You might save a life.
CONSENT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Flirting. Buying a drink. Going home together. Being in a relationship.
None of these gives you permission to have sex with someone.
It’s your responsibility to make sure the other person freely agrees to any sexual activity.
- Ask. Don’t assume. Silence, freezing or not resisting isn’t consent.
- Don’t pressure anyone. Guilt, threats or wearing someone down aren’t consent.
- Consent to one thing doesn’t mean consent to everything. Check before taking things further.
- Anyone can change their mind. If they want to stop, stop.
- Someone asleep, unconscious or too intoxicated to make a choice cannot consent. If you’re unsure, stop.
Alcohol, drugs or encouragement from your mates do not excuse your behaviour.
SEE IT? DON’T ENCOURAGE IT. GET HELP.
If a friend is pressuring or harassing someone, don’t laugh along, make excuses or cover for them.
If you witness concerning behaviour, you can help: check in with the person affected, interrupt if it’s safe, or get staff or security involved.
You don’t need to confront someone or put yourself at risk to get help.
SOMETHING HAPPENED? IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT.
Whatever you wore, drank or took. Whoever you were with. Whether you froze, stayed silent or previously said yes. Sexual violence is never your fault. Responsibility lies with the person who caused the harm.
You don’t need to be certain what happened or ready to make a formal report to ask for support.
Speak to staff in any SU venue, contact SU Advice or visit University Report + Support to explore support and reporting options.
In an emergency, call 999.
What we do in our venues
Your safety is our priority at Sub Zero, SU Bar and Top Bar.
Here’s what’s in place every night:
- Drink toppers and spiking test kits available from the bar.
- Trained staff and security who know what to do if spiking is suspected.
- Ask for Angela – a discreet way to get help if you feel unsafe.
- Welfare Assistants on hand during big nights out.
- CCTV and venue patrols for added safety.
If you ever feel uncomfortable, talk to any staff member – we’ll listen, no judgment.
REPORT & SUPPORT
Are you ok?
If you experience any form of bullying, harassment or discrimination, report it and get the support you need.
REPORT & SUPPORT
Reports can be made in two ways;
Reporting to an adviser
Choosing to report in this way will mean your contact details will be sent to a University adviser. They will be in contact with you within 3 days of you making the report to discuss the report and your wellbeing and options. You can also request the University to take action on the report when you submit it. This would mean the report is sent to the appropriate team for investigation (e.g. Student Conduct, University HR etc).
Reporting anonymously
If you choose this option, you will not be contacted following the submission of your report. The University is unable to take action on anonymous reports but the information provided will be used to collate data and inform the University’s proactive and preventative work on tackling sexual violence, harassment, hate crimes and bullying. If you wish to discuss the options, or would like help to submit a report, you are welcome to contact SU Advice and one of our advisers would be happy to discuss this and support you through the process.
Make sure they are ok
CHECK IN. ARE THEY OK?
LISTEN. HOW ARE THEY FEELING?
TAKE ACTION. REPORT IT TOO.
If you witness any form of bullying, harassment or discrimination, there are ways you can help
the targeted person feel less isolated and more confident to report it:
REPORT & SUPPORT
Together we can put an end to all forms of harassment.
SafeZone App
As part of our commitment to creating a safe, supportive and inclusive University environment, SafeZone is a free safety and wellbeing app for students and staff to contact Security. The app provides a quick and convenient way to access support while on campus, enabling users to request emergency assistance, first aid, or non-urgent help directly from our Security team.
SafeZone also includes features to support staff who work alone, or work outside normal hours, helping to provide additional reassurance and improve access to assistance when needed.
The app enables the University to send important safety notifications and updates directly to users during incidents or disruptions affecting our campuses.
DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE