Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual behaviour which compromises your dignity and makes you feel offended, humiliated, intimidated or threatened. Sexual harassment may be verbal, non-verbal or physical. It can range from rude remarks about your appearance to violence and assault. Robert Gordon University have a zero tolerance approach to sexual harassment within our community.
INDEPENDENT SPECIALIST SUPPORT:
If you are being sexually harassed, there are support services you can call or visit.
- Citizens Advice Scotland. Advice on Sexual harassment.
- Equality and Human Rights Commission.
- Scottish Women’s Rights Centre Advocacy Support Helpline
Tel: 08088 010 789 every Tuesday, 11 am to 2 pm.
The Scottish Women’s Rights Centre Advocacy Support Helpline is for women affected by gender based violence. At SWRC we know that abuse and violence can affect every area of a woman’s life. Our advocacy workers will be available once a week to answer questions around issues like housing, child welfare, benefits, employment, among many others, as well as to explain legal processes and signpost women to relevant support services. Through this helpline we will also identify women who might benefit from short or long-term non-legal representation, so we can advocate for their rights.
Revenge pornography and the sharing of intimate images is illegal. Contact the Revenge Porn helpline (only operating on email service at the moment) help@revengepornhelpline.org.uk Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm
REPORTING TO THE POLICE:
Sexual harassment is not a criminal offence however If you’re being harassed and feel you're in danger you should contact the police.
‘Upskirting’ has been a criminal offence in Scotland since 2010 when it was listed under the broadened definition of voyeurism. Revenge pornography is also illegal.
Please report your concerns to Police Scotland at your local police station. You can also call the police non-urgently to report something of concern or even discuss a situation on 101, online or via 999 if it is an emergency.
You can also report the incident anonymously by calling crime stoppers at any point on 0800 555 111
RGU SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS & STAFF:
- Report and Support. Students and staff can report an incident using the University’s Report and Support system. The purpose of this system is to provide support in the event of sexual violence or harassment. You can also choose to make an anonymous report.
- First Responder Scheme. Our support also system includes specially trained members of Robert Gordon University’s staff who can listen and offer support.
- Student Counselling & Wellbeing Centre. The Counselling & Wellbeing Centre is here to help and support you throughout your time at University.
- Staff Lifeworks Employee Assistance Programme. The EAP service offers confidential independent help, information, and guidance to University staff. It is accessed by telephone or web portal and is totally confidential. The Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to employees. It also allows for up to six face-to-face counselling sessions, offered near the caller’s home or place of work.
OTHER SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
- RGU Nightline is an anonymous, confidential, non-judgemental and non-advisory listening and information service run for students by students. Call: 01224 26 36 46. Lines are open 8pm to 8am Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat during term time.
- Samaritans are available to talk about anything that’s troubling you, no matter how large or small the issue. You don't have to be suicidal. Call: 116 123. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- Breathing Space where experienced advisors will listen and offer information and advice. Call their Helpline number: 0800 83 85 87 Opening hours: Weekdays: Monday-Thursday 6pm to 2am. Weekend: Friday 6pm-Monday 6am
- Four Pillars – Supporting Grampians LGBT+ Community (fourpillarsuk.org)
- Mental Health Aberdeen | MHA local mental health and counselling services.
- Penumbra - Supporting Scotland's Mental Health a charity providing dedicated services for people experiencing mild to serious and enduring mental ill health.