I am being bullied or harassed because of my sexual orientation. What can I do?
Answer
The University prides itself on being a welcoming place for all students and if this is not the case we take it very seriously. We would hope that no one is bullied, harassed or victimised because of their sexual orientation but we have to be realistic and admit very rarely it may happen. If it does happen to you it is important that you do not suffer in silence and report it. The University has a Dignity at Work and Study Policy that applies to all staff and students which specifically protects against harassment, bullying and victimisation on the basis of sexual orientation. It also gives definitions of what these terms mean and includes examples on what LGBT bullying and harassment may look like.
You can make a report with Report and Support which will go to a student adviser who will then get in touch with you to discuss what is happening and how we can support you: https://reportandsupport.salford.ac.uk/
In addition, the University has a network of Bullying and Harassment Advisers who you can contact directly and in confidence if you feel you are being bullied or harassed. Here you’ll find a network of trained mediators whose job is to deal with personal conflict situations in an unbiased and safe way. Both these networks are open to staff and students for help.
The Dignity at Work & Study Policy and procedure and information on the Bullying and Harassment and Mediation Network is available to read.
In many cases bullying, harassment and victimisation because of your sexual orientation is also against the law and will be classified as a Hate Crime. The University takes Hate Crime seriously and is an official Hate Crime Reporting Centre in Salford. You can report any incident as a Hate Crime here – you can choose to remain anonymous.
The Student Union also has an Advice Centre where you can get advice confidentially.