About the Campaign

In October 2021, we launched #NEVEROK to promote the message that everyone has the right to study, live, work, and enjoy life in a safe and supportive environment. Harassment, assault, and abuse have no place here.

 

Our Zero Tolerance Policy

We have zero tolerance for the following behaviors:

      - Sexual assault and harassment

      - Relationships/Domestic abuse

      - Harassment and bullying

      - Honour crimes, FGM, forced marriages

      - Discrimination (transphobia, racism, homophobia)

 

Our Pledges

We are committed to these actions as part of the #NEVEROK campaign:

      - Lobby the university for better victim support

      - Run safety training for sports clubs & societies

      - Provide self-defense classes for Women+ students

      - Make anti-spiking kits freely available

      - Work with local authorities to tackle these issues

 

How You Can Get Help

 

University Reporting Tool

If you have experienced sexual misconduct, violence, harassment, or hate, use the Reporting Tool to report an incident. You can choose to report anonymously or with contact details. Student Services will get in touch within 48 hours if contact details are provided.

Reporting Tool

Sports Team Report

If you notice inappropriate behavior, bullying, or harassment in your sports team or club, report it. You can report anonymously or with your details.

Report Here

Nightline Support

Call Nightline on Wednesdays and Fridays, 8pm - 8am for chatting, crisis support, or advice. This student-led listening service is here for you.

01242 714777
 

Dark Nights Safety Tips

  • Stick to well-lit, main routes when walking at night.
  • Keep enough money for a taxi if you need one.
  • If you go out with friends, stick together and update each other on  plans.
  • Track what you're drinking and alternate alcoholic drinks with soft        drinks.
  • Don’t leave your drink unattended and never accept drinks from strangers.
 

Use the Four D's

Direct Action

Call out negative behaviour, tell the person to stop or ask the victim if they are OK. Do this as a group if you can. Be polite. Don’t aggravate the situation - remain calm and state why something has offended you. Stick to exactly what has happened, don’t exaggerate.

Distract

Interrupt, start a conversation with the perpetrator to allow their potential target to move away or have friends intervene. Or come up with an idea to get the victim out of the situation – tell them they need to take a call, or you need to speak to them; any excuse to get them away to safety. Alternatively, try distracting, or redirecting the situation.

Delegate

If you are too embarrassed or shy to speak out, or you don’t feel safe to do so, get someone else to step in. Any decent venue has a zero tolerance policy on harassment, so the staff there will act.

Delay

If the situation is too dangerous to challenge then and there (such as there is the threat of violence or you are outnumbered) just walk away. Wait for the situation to pass then ask the victim later if they are OK. Or report it when it’s safe to do so – it’s never too late to act.

In an emergency, call the police on 999.

And remember, never put yourself in danger. Only intervene if safe to do so.

 

Be an Active Bystander

Being an active bystander means being aware of when someone's behaviour is inappropriate or threatening and choosing to challenge it. If you do not feel comfortable doing this directly, then get someone to help you, such as a friend or someone in authority.

 

Follow the ‘ABC’ Method

A: Assess for Safety

If you see someone in trouble, ask yourself if you can help safely in any way. Remember, your personal safety is a priority – never put yourself at risk.

B: Be in a Group

It’s safer to call out behaviour or intervene in a group. If this is not an option, report it to others who can act.

C: Care for the Victim

Talk to the person who you think may need help. Ask them if they are OK.

 

Bystander Tips

  • 1) Be Direct: Speak up and be firm #NeverOK
  • 2) Delegate: Ask others to help or intervene #NeverOK
  • 3) Check In: After the incident, see if the harmed person is okay #NeverOK
  • 4) Distract: Shift attention to defuse the situation #NeverOK
  • 5) Document: Record the incident if it's safe to do so #NeverOK
 

Contact Information

 

Chaplaincy Team

Contact the Chaplaincy Team for support and guidance.

Email Chaplaincy Team 01242 714592

Mental Health and Wellbeing

For mental health support, reach out to our dedicated team.

Email Mental Health Team 01242 714542 Email Welfare Team 01242 714976

Dignity Advisors

If you need help regarding inappropriate behavior, contact our Dignity Advisors.

Email Dignity Advisors 01242 714509