If you think someone you know has been sexually harassed there are lots of ways in which you can help them. 

Understanding the behaviours associated with sexual harassment is a good place to start. Most people will be able to describe what has or is happening to them and how it's making them feel. 

Sexual harassment is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature which violates a person’s dignity, making them feel intimidated, degraded or humiliated, or creates a hostile or offensive environment. 

Are they in immediate danger? If they are in immediate danger or seriously injured, you can call 999 (or 112 from a mobile).  If you are on campus, you should tell Security (01483 68 3333) that the emergency services are on their way and give details of the individual’s location. 

Find a safe space: if an incident has just happened, try and find somewhere they feel safe. If they are on campus and this isn't possible, you can suggest they call Security on 01483 683333. 

What is sexual harassment? It might be useful to think about what sexual harassment is and how some of the behaviours are described.  

Listen: just taking the time to listen to someone and talk about what has happened can help. These six active listening tips might help you support them. 

Give options: when they have finished talking ask them if they are ok to talk through some possible options and next steps. 

Security: some members of our Security team are trained to receive disclosures of sexual violence. All officers can talk through the University's procedures, how to make a report and what support is available. 

University of Surrey Students’ Union (USSU) can talk students through what options are available and support you through the process.  This support includes attending any meetings with the University. 

Trade Unions are organised groups of workers who come together to support each other in the workplace. The University of Surrey recognises three campus trade unions: Unison, UCU and Unite. 

Any incident of sexual harassment, including those experienced online, can be reported. 

Report and Support: students and staff can report an incident using the University’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can request support from a member of staff. The University takes every report seriously and carefully considers what action to take.

Report a Wellbeing Concern is a quick and easy way to let us know about a concern that you have for a University of Surrey student. It can be completed by anyone including other students, family, friends and staff. 

 

Take care of yourself: it’s important that you take care of yourself. If you’ve heard something distressing or if something is troubling you, the University's Centre for Wellbeing offers confidential help and is open to students. 

The Employee Assistance Programme, BHSF RISE, gives staff access to free personalised, on-demand advice and support from a team of mental health, financial and legal experts, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.