Bullying and harassment advice
The University of Oxford is committed to fostering an inclusive culture which promotes equality, values diversity and maintains a working, learning and social environment in which the rights and dignity of all members of the University community are respected.
Bullying and harassment are unacceptable behaviours which may cause harm, either physically or emotionally. Bullying may be characterised as offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, or misuse of power through means intended to undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient.
Examples of this behaviour could include:
- unwanted physical contact
- any behaviour of a sexual nature that takes place without consent, including inappropriate body language, sexually explicit remarks or inuendo, or unwanted physical conduct such as sexual advances and touching without consent.
- offensive comments or body language
- insulting, abusive, embarrassing or patronising behaviour or comments
- persistently shouting at, insulting or threatening an individual
- constantly criticising someone without providing constructive support
- deliberately using the wrong name or pronoun in relation to a transgender person
- isolation or exclusion from conversations or social events
- publishing, circulating or displaying offensive pictures or other materials
There are over 487 trained harassment advisors across the University of Oxford.
Our proactive measures
- training courses and mentoring for everyone
- equality and diversity training department
- department Harassment Advisors to offer further support
- report + support tool to report incidents or seek support anonymously or through advisor
External information+ organisations:
- Acas helpline can help you with employment law and workplace advice, completely confidentially and freely. contact them at 0300 123 1100
- The Citizens Advice Bureau provide help with harassment in the workplace and hate crimes.
- OSARCC ( Oxfordshire Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre ) offer support to anyone who has experienced any form of sexual misconduct. Contact them at- 0808 500 2222
- SurvivorsUK provide a national online helpline service for men and non-binary people who have experienced sexual violence at any time in their lives.
- The national bullying helpline is designed to help with bullying and employment law. contact them at- 0300 323 0169
- Act Against Bullying is a leading charity advising on childhood bullying and abuse including sexual bullying and cyberbullying. Advice is available on their website.
- The Cyber Helpline is free expert help for victims of cybercrime and online harm.