Harassment

At University College Birmingham, we believe that harassment is never acceptable. Any form of harassment can severely impact a person's wellbeing, confidence, academic or professional performance, and overall experience at university.

We are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where all students, staff, and visitors are treated with dignity, fairness, and care.

If you’ve experienced or witnessed harassment, we’re here to listen and support you. Find information below on what harassment is, how to report it, and where to get help.

Speak out and support

You can share what happened in whichever of these two ways feels most comfortable for you.

To arrange an appointment with one of our advisers, please complete our online form. You may choose how much information you wish to share, and accessing support does not require making a formal report. Alternatively, you can choose to report anonymously.

Complete form

Report anonymously

If you are having difficulty completing the form, please email studentcases@ucb.ac.uk.

Harassment support and reporting

What is harassment?

Harassment is any unwanted behaviour, whether it happens once or repeatedly, that is intended to, or has the effect of:

·         Violating someone’s dignity, or

·         Creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment.

This behaviour might be verbal, written, physical, or digital, and can happen in person, online, or through third parties.

Examples of harassment

Harassment can take many forms. Here are some examples of behaviour that may be considered harassment:

  • Malicious or threatening comments
  •  Sending or making offensive phone calls, texts, or online messages
  •  Inappropriate or unnecessary physical contact
  • Insults, slurs, or offensive gestures
  • Name-calling, mocking, or undermining someone’s identity or abilities
  • Sharing private or explicit images or messages without consent
  • Repeated unwanted attention, including online (e.g., stalking or persistent messaging) 

Harassment and the Law – The Equality Act 2010

Under the Equality Act 2010, three forms of harassment are unlawful:

1. Harassment related to a protected characteristic, such as age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation

2. Sexual harassment

3. Harassment due to rejection of sexual or gender-based conduct. This includes being treated unfairly or differently because you did not accept, or responded negatively to, sexual harassment or harassment related to your gender identity or sex.

Support at UCB

At UCB, we take all reports of harassment seriously. Whether the behaviour occurred on or off campus, in-person or online, recent or historic, you have the right to be heard and supported.

We recognise that harassment can be experienced differently by different people. You do not need to label your experience or decide what action to take before reaching out.

How the Sexual Misconduct and Harassment Support Service Can Help

Our Speak Out & Support Service provides a safe, confidential space where you can speak to a trained adviser about what’s happened , at your own pace and without pressure.

We offer:

  • A non-judgemental space to talk
  • Clear information about your rights and options
  •  Support with university processes and academic accommodations
  •  Safety planning and emotional wellbeing support
  • Signposting or referrals to counselling or external services
  • The option to report anonymously, if you choose

You don’t need to go through this alone , we’re here to listen and support you, whether or not you choose to make a formal report.

 

Reporting to the police

If you do not feel it is an emergency, you can still report incidents of harassment by: 

  • Calling 101 
  • Using West Midlands Police Live Chat 
  • Contacting your local police force online 

The police have specially trained officers who can support you through the process. 

 More information about reporting can be found here: 

 Report harassment or abuse | West Midlands Police 

Making a formal complaint to UCB

If you wish to make a formal complaint about harassment by another student, you can follow UCB’s student misconduct procedures, which include harassment and related behaviours. 

You can access the procedures here: 

Single source of information

If you're unsure where to start or need help at any stage, a Sexual Misconduct and Harassment Adviser can support you throughout the process

Are you in immediate danger?

If you're in immediate danger or seriously injured, call 999 immediately. 

Try to move somewhere safe. If you're on campus, contact UCB Security (24/7) by calling 07889045265, or go to the nearest UCB building and ask someone to phone Security for you. 

If you’re on campus and at risk, you can contact Safeguarding by emailing safeguarding@ucb.ac.uk for support. 

Support at University College Birmingham

We understand that sharing your experience can be difficult. You're not alone, we’re here to support you and help you make informed decisions about what happens next. 

Speak to a UCB Sexual Misconduct and Harassment Adviser

If you’ve experienced harassment, including discriminatory, intimidating, or offensive behaviour, you can report the incident via our Target Connect form and request to speak with a trained specialist adviser. 

They can support you emotionally and practically, including: 

  • Listening without judgement 
  • Signposting to therapeutic or mental health options 
  • Explaining informal or formal reporting procedures 

You do not have to make a formal report to access support. 

If a member of staff is supporting you, they can also submit the form on your behalf with your consent. 

Safeguarding

If you or someone else is vulnerable or at risk of harm, please contact our Safeguarding Team: 

Email: safeguarding@ucb.ac.uk 

You can find the contact details here: Safeguarding | University College Birmingham 

UCB Mental Health and Wellbeing Support

At University College Birmingham, your mental health matters. We offer a range of support services to help you feel safe, supported, and heard. 

Our Mental Health and Wellbeing Team includes qualified counsellors and advisers who can offer up to six one-to-one support sessions per term. This includes help with emotional wellbeing, mental health concerns, and coping strategies for challenges that may affect your studies or personal life, including those caused by harassment. 

How to access: 

You can self-refer via the student portal: 

Student Services - University College Birmingham

24/7 Support: Student Assistance Programme

In addition to in-house support, students also have access to the Student Assistance Programme, a confidential 24/7 helpline offering: 

  • Emotional support 
  • Counselling 
  • Legal and financial advice 
  • Practical guidance for everyday challenges 

This service is available day or night, 365 days a year. 

Wisdom App 

The Wisdom App gives you access to a wide range of mental health and wellbeing resources, including: 

  • Self-help tools 
  • Guided meditations 
  • Wellbeing articles 

All at your fingertips, whenever you need them. 

External Support Services

These local and national organisations offer additional specialist support for people affected by harassment, discrimination, and abuse: 

Emotional and practical support for anyone affected by crime, including harassment and stalking. 

Advice and support relating to discrimination and harassment under the Equality Act 2010. 

Guidance on legal rights around harassment in education, housing, the workplace, and public spaces. 

Support in reporting online abuse, harassment, and harmful digital content. 

Specialist support for LGBT+ people facing harassment, discrimination, or hate crime. 

National service supporting LGBT+ people who have experienced harassment, abuse, or violence. 

Free support service for under-25s, including help with bullying, harassment, and emotional wellbeing. 

Anonymous online counselling and wellbeing support for young people. 

 A local wellbeing service directory for Birmingham and Solihull, covering a wide range of support needs. 

If you're unsure which service is right for you, a UCB adviser can help you explore your options and make a referral. 

If you're concerned about an other student

If the person is in immediate danger or seriously injured, call 999 right away. 

Encourage them to move to a place where they feel safe. If you're on campus, contact UCB Security (available 24/7) by calling 07889045265, or go to the nearest UCB building and ask a staff member to phone Security for you. 

If appropriate, you can also suggest they contact the Safeguarding Team, who can help them understand their rights and access support without pressure to report. 

Ways You Can Offer Support 

If someone confides in you about experiencing harassment, here are meaningful ways to support them: 

  • Listen and believe them – Remain calm, offer your full attention, and show that you trust and support what they’re sharing. 
  • Avoid blaming – Harassment is never the fault of the person who experienced it. 
  • Support without taking control – Be there to help them explore their options. Let them decide what feels right for them. 
  • Be patient – They may not be ready to talk immediately. Respect their pace and boundaries. 
  • Respect their choices – Whether or not they choose to report or seek support, let them know their decisions are valid. 
  • Look after yourself too – Supporting someone else can be emotionally difficult. It’s okay to seek support for yourself too. 

Useful Resources for Supporters 

Caring for yourself after harassment

Whether it happened recently or some time ago, your wellbeing matters. You deserve support and compassion — from others and from yourself. 

  • You are not to blame. 

The responsibility for harassment lies solely with the person who carried it out. 

  • There’s no “right” way to feel. 

Everyone processes things differently. Give yourself permission to feel what you feel. 

  • Take your time. 

There’s no deadline for healing. Move forward at your own pace. 

  • Reach out when you’re ready. 

Talking to someone can help, whether that’s a friend, family member, or professional. You're not expected to deal with this on your own. It's okay to ask for and receive help. 

  • Care for your body and mind. 

Small acts of self-care , rest, food, movement, quiet time , can help bring balance. 

  • Find comfort in the small things. 

Music, art, nature, or even just watching a favourite show can be grounding. 

Self-Help and Specialist Support Resources 

  • Victim Focus – Free online course on self-care after harassment or trauma 
  • Citizens Advice – Legal rights if you’ve experienced harassment 
  • Galop – Support for LGBT+ individuals 
  • Mind – Information on the impact of bullying and harassment on mental health 
  • Kooth – Online wellbeing support for young people 
  • The Waiting Room – Local support services across Birmingham and Solihull 
Back to top