Safety

  • Are they in immediate danger? If they are in immediate danger or seriously injured, you can call 999 (or 112 from a mobile).
  • Find a safe space -  If an incident has just happened, try to help them find somewhere they feel safe. 
  • If this isn't possible and they are scared or fearful, you can suggest they call Security on 01225 875555 (if on a Bath campus) or the Police non-emergency number 101.

Support from you

You may be feeling a range of different emotions about someone you know going through something like this. There is no right or wrong way to feel and however you feel is okay. It can be difficult to know how to help and it’s important to let the victim-survivor guide you in what feels right for them. We’ve listed below some key points for supporting someone effectively: 
 

• Listen. 
 

• Take them seriously. 
 

• Let them know you are there for them. 
 

• Reassure them that their feelings are normal. 
 

• Be patient, open-minded and respect their decisions – they may not react how you expect and that is ok – there is no right or wrong way to feel, everyone is different and it may take time for them to feel ready to process what happened. 
 

 • Encourage them if they do want to take steps but are finding things difficult; make sure not to put any pressure on them to make a particular decision or act more quickly 
 

• Give them choices – it’s useful for them to know their options (details below) for reporting to the police, to report to the University (if the perpetrator(s) are University student/staff), and specialist support options – but it’s ok if they opt not to do any of these things or don’t want to do them right away.
 
Further information about supporting a loved one who has experienced sexual violence (including sexual harassment) can be found in this SARSAS guide.

Report and Support

  • If the person affected by the sexual harassment can submit a form on this website. They can choose to do this anonymously or request support from an advisor. If the person making the report chooses to talk to an advisor, they will be able to discuss the options and support available.
  • If they give your permission and would like your help, you can submit the form on their behalf
  • If the person you’re supporting does not want to be in touch with us for support and you’re worried/unsure what to do, you can submit a Request Contact from an Advisor form yourself, for us to contact you.
  • You can also submit a form to report a third party concern about behaviour you have witnessed.

    Note that we cannot guarantee confidentiality for anyone named in the report, if there are risk concerns.
    Given we want people to feel in control and their wishes to be respected, we recommend that you don’t include their name or identifying details when you contact us for advice. 

Support from specialist services 
 

Your own wellbeing 

Hearing about sexual harassment can be really upsetting, and it’s important that you make sure that you also look after yourself.
If you are a Bath Spa student or staff member seeking support, our advisors can connect you with further support available here at the University. You can connect with them via the Request Contact from an Advisor form.
There may be an equivalent service of this kind at your university if you are studying or working elsewhere, or there are national services to support you such as the 24/7 Samaritans helpline.  




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There are two ways you can tell us what happened

Report anonymously or Support from an advisor