What is Sexual Harassment? 


Sexual harassment is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature which violates your dignity, makes you feel intimidated, degraded or humiliated and creates a hostile or offensive environment. You don’t need to have previously objected to someone's behaviour for it to be considered unwanted.
  
  Sexual harassment can include: 
Intimate image abuse
 
You may have experienced someone threatening to share private photos of you without your consent, or that they have already shared your private images, and they have the intent to cause you distress by doing so. It is important to know that both of these are now an offence in UK law. For more information on your rights and support available, you can visit Revenge Porn Helpline - https://revengepornhelpline.org.uk/

I’ve been affected by sexual harassment- what can I do? 


IIf you have been, or are being, sexually harassed, it may be hard to know what to do or how to feel. What happened was not your fault. What you do next is your choice. 

 Think 
  • Are you in immediate danger? If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured, you can contact the emergency services on 999 (or 112 from a mobile phone).
  • Finding a safe space.  If possible try and find somewhere you feel safe. If this isn't possible and you are on campus you can call security on 01772 892068.  
  • Try talking to a friend.  Consider asking a friend or someone you trust to be with you.
  • Text Support.  If you feel you need to talk to someone immediately you can contact Shout, a free 24/7 text service for anyone struggling to cope. TEXT Shout to 85258.
  •  The Millers Taxis ‘Take Me Home’ scheme allows you to use your UCLan ID Card as a deposit for journeys of £10 and under around Preston City Centre, and the university area, and pay later. You will then be emailed and instructed on how to collect your card. The number for Millers Taxis is 01772 884000. 
  • Download the UCLan SafeZone app to access a range of safety support and information such as raising an emergency alert, calling for help and setting a check in timer which alerts security if you do not reach your destination in a set amount of time. 
 
Report

UCLan’s Wellbeing Advisors have a range of experience in many areas, including domestic abuse and sexual violence. They have received specialist training from Women’s Aid, Paladin, Laura Richards and Lime Culture, as well as many having worked in refuges and for domestic and sexual abuse support services. Contact us on 01772 893020 or make a report to an advisor to arrange an appointment.
 
Lancashire Victim Services are offering a drop-in service with one of their Independent Sexual Violence Advocates at UCLan’s Preston Campus. This is on Tuesdays in term-time, between 12-2pm in the Wellbeing hub on the Upper Ground Floor of the Student Centre. You do not need an appointment. Please contact LVS or UCLan Wellbeing team if you would like any more information. 

If you're thinking of reporting to the police, rape crisis have produced a useful list of things to think about. If the incident occurred outside of Lancashire you can ring the Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing team on 01772 893020 to discuss how to contact your local Police force if you are unsure.

Where can I get support? 

Specialist support services outside university 
 
 Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs). ISVAs who are trained to look after the needs of a survivor of rape or sexual violence to ensure they receive the best possible care and understanding. Contact them and ask to speak to an advisor in confidence. ISVAs are there to provide information to ensure an individual can make a decision that is right for them.

 Sexual harassment at work handbook by Rights of Women New! Sexual harassment at work handbook | Rights of Women
 
Rape Crisis England and Wales - https://rapecrisis.org.uk/

National Male Survivor helpline - https://safeline.org.uk/services/national-male-helpline/

Galop is a charity that supports lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and queer people affected by sexual violence. https://galop.org.uk/types-of-abuse/sexual-violence/

Humraaz – specialist service in Lancashire led by and for black and minoritized women and girls, supporting survivors of violence, including sexual violence https://humraaz.co.uk/

Trust House Lancashire – specialist counselling for survivors of sexual violence https://trusthouselancs.org/counselling/

 Revenge Porn Helpline - https://revengepornhelpline.org.uk/

Support at UCLan
 
For Students 
  • The Student Wellbeing Service can help students experiencing a range of difficulties that are affecting their mental health and wellbeing. They offer a confidential, professional service, ensuring that students receive personal support, recognising people as individuals, all with different needs.
  • UCLan Students' Union Advice and Representation Centre. This is a free, confidential, impartial service where students can get advice and information on academic and personal issues, including advice on procedures and representation at hearings.
  • If you are a student in Halls, all of the residences have a team of Residence Officers and Assistant Residences Officer. The team can provide you with assistance and support to make your time with us an enjoyable one. Contact the Accommodation team on studentaccommodation@uclan.ac.uk
  • Mitigating Circumstances. If you feel your studies have been affected by what has happened you can consider applying for Mitigating Circumstances.
     
For Staff

  • The People Team. If you are a member of staff or manager your HR partner will be able to identify the support that’s available for you.
  • Trade Unions. There are three trade unions that represent staff at the University: Unison, Unite and UCU.
     
  • Staff Counselling. It’s important that you take care of yourself. The Staff Counselling Service offers a confidential, accessible counselling service to all its employees, in line with the University's mission statement and policies. If you are a member of staff, you can email the Staff Counselling service or call 01772 892329 to request an appointment.


 





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