Being bullied or harassed is bad for your health and your studies, and the SRC and the University take it seriously.
The SRC and the University have worked together to produce the University’s Dignity at Work Policy, which gives useful guidance on what constitutes bullying or harassment, and what you can do about it. There is also a list of helpful FAQs.
In 2018-19, the University introduced a new online reporting system for bullying, harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct, called the UofG Reporting Form. This gives you an option to report anonymously if you wish, although you should note that anonymity will probably mean the University is unable to investigate or take action about what you are reporting.
If you think you are being bullied or harassed, talking to a Respect Adviser can help you work out your options for what to do next. The SRC Advice Centre team are part of the University’s network of Respect Advisers, and there are also University staff who volunteer as Respect Advisers — a full list is available here.
Hate Crime
What is hate crime?
A hate crime is a crime committed against someone, which is motivated by prejudice against that person’s actual or perceived disability, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender identity.
If bullying or harassing behaviour is motivated by this kind of prejudice, but falls short of being a criminal offence, it is known as a ‘hate incident’.
In some cases victims/witnesses of hate crime or hate incidents do not feel comfortable reporting the matter directly to the Police and may be more comfortable reporting it to someone they are familiar with.
To ensure all victims/witnesses are able to report hate incidents and hate crimes, Police Scotland works in partnership with a wide variety of associates who perform the role of 3rd Party Reporting Centres. Staff within 3rd Party Reporting Centres have been trained to assist a victim or witness in submitting a report to the Police and can make such a report on the victim/witnesses behalf if need be.
The Advice Centre is a 3rd Party Reporting Centre.
For more information, go to the Third Party Reporting section on the Police Scotland website.
If you have been the victim of, or have witnessed, a hate incident or hate crime, please call into the Advice Centre for a confidential discussion about what you can do next. You will not be pressured into reporting it if you do not feel comfortable doing so at this point.