Anti-Bullying Week (14-18 November)

During this year’s Anti-Bullying Week (14 – 18 November) the Anti-Bullying Alliance is encouraging students to use their ‘Power for Good’ to raise awareness of bullying and hate crimes, and explain what they can do to take action against them.

There are a number of events planned, including two talks about hate crime reporting by Sussex Police’s Hate Crime Officers: the first, in Hastings (Tuesday 15 November 12.30-1.30pm, Priory Square Rm 401), will focus on what constitutes hate crime and how to report it; the second, in Falmer (Wednesday 16 November 1-2pm, Checkland Building C218), will look at what constitutes hate crime and how to report it but will also cover what kind of support is available specifically for victims of racist and homo/bi/transphobic hate crime.

University of Brighton lecturer and activist Dr. Louise Purbrick (History of Art and Design) will also run a Bystanders Interventions Workshop to equip students and staff with the necessary skills to challenge racist and other kinds of hate speech in public spaces. The workshop takes place on Monday 14 November 12.30-2pm at Grand Parade . You can book a place here. Places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.

There is also a new app ‘Self Evident’ which makes it easier to report hate crime. The app already has 16,000 registered users and helps you record evidence and file a complaint to the Police.

The University takes a zero-tolerance approach to bullying and harassment and can support you if you need help.

The Harassment and Bullying Policy prohibits bullying and harassment by and of students, staff and visitors. This includes incidents that happen face-to-face and incidents which happen online. It also includes things that happen in a social space between students as much as what happens in the classroom.

If you want to report bullying and need guidance on the reporting options the Student Experience and Equalities Manager can help, whilst the Students’ Union Student Support Service can offer independent advice and support, including representation.

Depending on who is doing the bullying and harassment, and where it is taking place, you may wish to speak to your School’s Student Support and Guidance Tutor, your personal tutor, or a member of staff in the Accommodation Team.

The University’s Counselling Service can also provide confidential personal and emotional support on an individual basis to students who are experiencing bullying and harassment.

The University’s Student Bullying and Harassment Procedure contains further information about the different reporting options for students as well as the support available at the university and in the local community.

Bullying and harassment can happen to any student, from any background, so whoever you are, remember that you are not alone and that support is available.

For further information about bullying, harassment or hate crime reporting or any other issues related to Anti-Bullying Week, please contact Marianne Lemond, Student Experience and Equalities Manager.