One university taking on harassment

We Get It – Zero tolerance to sexual harassment at Manchester University.

You probably know that sexual harassment can include unwanted groping, pinching or smacking of your body, uninvited kisses or bodily contact – but isn’t just physical.

Other examples of sexual harassment include wolfwhistling and catcalling, inappropriate sexual comments, and sexually-based insults, jokes, songs or taunts.

It can be emotional, verbal, suggestive… Anything that makes someone feel uncomfortable.

It can happen on campus, in halls, in bars or nightclubs, on public transport or online in Facebook groups or on Twitter.

It can be someone you know well or it could be from somebody completely anonymous.

Most people don’t report harassment as they think it’s not serious enough, or they feel embarrassed and ashamed.

But students and staff have the right to study, live and socialise in a safe, supportive place and the University of Manchester is now taking all forms of sexual harassment very seriously.

You never have to put up with it, and there is now always someone to talk to – click here for information on speaking confidentially to trained Harassment Advisors, as well as to access other support services.

And the Students’ Union operates a ‘Zero Tolerance to Sexual Harassment’ policy – click here to read it – and is an NUS accredited zero tolerance union:

Should you experience sexual harassment on Union premises, please report it to any member of staff who will refer you to the Duty Manager.

All of Duty Managers are specially trained and will deal with the situation immediately, and provide you with the support you need.

And there is an Advice Service open to all students for confidential support during opening hours.

Or if you have been affected by sexual harassment and need someone to talk to you can contact – email – the Women’s Officer, Tabz O’Brien-Butcher.

The Students’ Union also has an active Women’s Campaign which all self-identifying women students are able to take part in.

And as part of the Women’s Campaign, the Union runs a Students Against Sexual Harassment group which is open to all students (including non women) to develop campaigns and tackle sexual harassment on campus and in society.

Click here if you want to get involved.

Everyone deserves to be part of a learning community that they feel safe and secure in, staff and students alike – and can all play a role in ensuring that University of Manchester is a sexual harassment free zone.

So:

Think about your actions.

Even if you would never knowingly harass someone, anything that creates an intimidating, humiliating or offensive environment, interferes with a student or staff member’s learning, working or social surroundings or makes someone feel stressed or anxious is harassment, even if it’s unintentional.

What one person thinks is harmless ‘banter’ can have a real impact on many others’ enjoyment and safety at University.

And no one should have to feel uncomfortable for the sake of a joke.

So if you see any form of sexual harassment taking place, and you feel safe to do so, challenge it.

Or even if you don’t know who was involved, report it. It’s important that we know when, where and how sexual harassment takes place so that we can tackle it together.

Talk to your mates about sexual harassment. What it is, how it makes people feel and why it’s not OK.

Encourage them to sign up to the We Get It pledge.

Practice a culture of Zero Tolerance in your student societies and sports clubs.

The Students’ Union has policy on Zero Tolerance to Sexual Harassment, so make sure you’ve read it and that you’re implementing it in your meetings, socials and online spaces.

The Union will be running Zero Tolerance training for societies throughout February, so you can sign up.

Join the Students Against Sexual Harassment group.

And you could also tell the staff at the Union what else they can do to tackle sexual harassment; share your ideas by emailing.