Abuse
Abuse can come in many forms such as physical or verbal which includes injury, assault, violation, rape, aggressive behaviour, harassment and bullying. Any type of abuse can be very frightening and stressful and can often lead to feeling alone in the situation. It is advisable to speak as soon as possible with someone who can help.
Harassment and Bullying
Bullying and harassment are defined by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) and The Equality Act 2010 as the following:
- Bullying is offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour and an abuse or misuse of power through means that undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient.
- Harassment is unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic, which has the purpose or effect of violating an individual’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that individual.
Harassment and bullying can have a serious detrimental effect on the health, confidence, morale and performance of those affected by it, and on the working, learning and living environment.
Examples of what may constitute as harassment and bullying
Useful Resources
- The University of Glasgow has a clear Policy and Procedure for staff and students to maintain dignity at work and study
- See other UofG Equality Related Policies
- For UofG Appeals, Conduct and Complaints Policies and Procedures
- If you are engaged in employed work whilst you are a student at the University and have been experiencing harassment and bullying at work, the UK Government also has some helpful information
Helpful Reading, Websites & Videos
Sexual Misconduct
Sexual misconduct is an umbrella term encompassing any unwelcome sexual behaviour that is committed without consent whereby the inappropriate and unwelcomed sexual behaviour is violating of another person’s personal boundary. The alleged misconduct can be of various degrees, such as sexual assault, exposure, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, sexual intimidation, pleading and even inattentiveness to nonverbal cues of discomfort.
Steps for Support
The SRC have given some helpful information on ‘What to do after a Rape or Assault’
Useful Resources
- The UofG information on Sexual Violence & Harassment Support
- The SRC has information on Sexual Violence Support & Resources
- The Scottish government provides comprehensive information and help after rape and sexual assault
Helpful Reading, Websites & Videos
Physical Abuse, Aggression and Assault
Physical abuse is an intentional act causing harm and injury to another and may involve more than one abuser and more than one victim. Physical abuse can include cases of domestic violence or workplace aggression.
Aggression can often lead to physical abuse or assault. It is important to seek support if you have experienced any form of physical abuse or aggressive assault.
Anger is a human and natural response to feeling attacked, threatened, insulted and frustrated. Anger can be helpful and unhelpful and can become a problem when we regularly express anger through destructive and unhelpful behaviours; and when it is negatively impacting on overall mental and physical wellbeing. If you or anyone you know is suffering from difficulties with aggression and is a risk to themselves and to others, it is important to seek support to learn how to cope with anger.
Useful Resources
- UofG Senate Office provides information on Student Conduct and it can be found here
Helpful Reading, Websites and Videos
Contact Information
University Support Services
University of Glasgow Crisis Team
If a student has experienced any form of assault or violence including sexual assault and domestic violence please contact the Student Crisis Team:
Available 24/7 via Security
Gilmorehill: 4444 (0141 330 4444)
Garscube: 2222 (0141 330 2222)
Off campus: +44 (0)141 330 4444
The Students’ Representative Council – Advice Centre
John McIntyre Building, University Avenue
Glasgow G12 8QQ
Tel: 0141 330 5360
Counselling and Psychological Services
67 Southpark Avenue
Glasgow G12 8LE
Tel: 0141 330 4528
Email: studentcounselling@glasgow.ac.uk
Level 6, South Front
Gilbert Scott Building
Glasgow G12 8QQ
Tel: 0141 330 6063
Glasgow University Nightline
Nightline is a confidential telephone support and information service run for students, by trained student volunteers run by the Glasgow University SRC. Available every night of term from 7pm till 7am contact them on +44 (0)141 334 9516
External Support Services
Sexual Assault
- Archway Glasgow (for victims within past 7 days): 0141-211-8175 (6pm – Midnight)
- Rape Crisis: General 0141 331 4180 Helpline 08088 01 03 02
- South West Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Centre (Dumfries): 01387 253113
- Breakthrough for women: 0141 552 5483
- Victim Support: 0808 168 9111
- RASAC (Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre): 0808 802 9999 (12-2.30 & 7-9.30)
Domestic abuse
- Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0141-951-6234
- Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline: 0800 027 1234 (free, 24hrs)
- Men's Advice Line: 0808-801-0327 – For men experiencing domestic abuse/concerned about own behaviour
- Shakti Women’s Aid Edinburgh: 0131 475 2399
- Glasgow Women’s Aid: 0141 553 2022 / 2411