I have been affected by bullying and/or harassment

If you, or someone you know, have been a victim of bullying and/or harassment, it may be hard to know what to do or how to feel. That’s okay.

What happened was not your fault, you’re not alone, and what you do next is your choice.

Are you in Immediate Danger?

You Report, We Support is not an emergency reporting tool.

If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured:

On Campus Security: Lancaster 07809 190566, Carlisle 07809 190530, Ambleside 07809 190531
Off Campus, Emergency Services: 999
If you are Deaf, deafened, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment, a Text Phone is available on: 18000

Find a Safe Space

Find a Safe Space: try to find a space which makes you feel most comfortable and safe from harm.

You may find it useful to think about what is meant by bullying and harassment, and examples of these behaviours.

I would like to speak to someone about my options

If you are not in immediate danger, currently feel safe from harm and do not need to report an emergency - then speaking to someone about your options is a great place to start.

Report an incident: If you submit a report with details, a member of the Student Services team will be in touch soon. Your report will not trigger a formal complaints process, and the advisor can confidentially speak to you about both your reporting and support options. You will never be forced to submit a report to the police, or a Formal Complaint to the University- as this is your choice.

If you are a student: The University of Cumbria Student's Union can provide support, advocacy and advice to students even if they do not wish to report.

If you are a member of staff and have opted to join one of the three unions recognised by the University; UCU, Unite and UNISON, they will be able to offer advice, advocacy and support.

All help and advice from unions is independent of the University of Cumbria.

Victim Support: is the independent charity for people affected by crime and traumatic events in England and Wales. Their support is free and confidential.

I would like to formally report what happened

It is entirely within your right to formally report bullying and harassment. You can formally report something to the University and/or the police if it constitutes a criminal offence.

Report an incident: If you submit a report with details, a member of the Student Services team will be in touch soon. Student Services advisors can help outline your formal reporting options (for both students and staff), as well as describing what these processes might look like and what an investigation would entail.

Report Harassment to the Police: Harassment is both a criminal offence and a civil action under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. This means that someone can be prosecuted in the criminal courts if they harass you. It also means you can take action against the person in the civil courts.
Generally speaking harassment is behaviour which causes you distress or alarm.
The Act also says you must have experienced at least two incidents by the same person or group of people for it to be harassment.
It's the courts that decide if something is harassment under the Act. The courts will look at whether most people or a reasonable person would think the behaviour amounts to harassment.

I would like emotional or more general support

If you would like to speak to someone about how the incident(s) has emotionally affected you, or you would like to use some of the support services below for self-care, that is okay.

Report an incident: if you submit a report with details, a member of the Student Services team will be in touch soon. Please remember that submitting a report with details through You Report, We Support means that someone will be able to personally talk you through your support options and tailor advice to your needs. You will never be forced to submit a formal report.
Wellbeing Support Services: the University’s dedicated wellbeing services can support you with practical and emotional issues impacting your wellbeing or mental health and aspects of University life, including referrals for counselling and psychology support.
University of Cumbria Students' Union: is the SU's Advice Centre with expert staff who can provide support, advocacy and advice to students even if they do not wish to report.
Personal Tutors: if your studies have been affected by an incident, your personal tutor could help to explain your options with regards to academic support.
Togetherall: both students and staff can access the online community, which supports populations with their mental health and wellbeing – helping with feels of anxiety, depression, isolation and stress, to relationship problems and lifestyle challenges. Togetherall have a network of trained professionals providing 24/7 support around the world.

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