HATE, BULLYING, SEXUAL MISCONDUCT, AND ABUSE
At Christ the Redeemer College, we recognise that incidents of hate, bullying, abuse, and harassment including but not limited to sexual misconduct and violence, stalking and domestic abuse, hate speech and discrimination, are matters of international concern impacting college and university communities.
Through our Violence, Abuse and Discrimination Prevention Group, we are focused on making Christ the Redeemer College a safe community to work and study.
PREVENTION AND RESPONSE
Please see our Policies and Documentations page to access the Prevention of Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy and related procedures. Review the Get Support section below to learn more about internal and external support resources for students and employees, or to learn more about reporting options and report an incident.
GET SUPPORT
BULLYING AND HARASSMENT
Bullying may be characterised as offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, an abuse or misuse of power through means intended to undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient. While bullying and harassment are related, bullying is usually intentional.
Harassment is unwanted conduct which adversely affects the dignity of an individual. It may be persistent or a single isolated incident. The key is that the actions or comments are viewed as hostile or intimidating, demeaning and unacceptable to the recipient. Students and staff members can also complain of behaviour that they find offensive even if it is not directed at them, but at another student or staff. Harassment may have either the purpose or effect of violating an individual’s dignity or create an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that individual.
It is recognised that differences in attitude, background and culture can often mean that what is perceived by one individual as harassment or bullying may not necessarily be perceived in the same way by another. It should be noted therefore, that when deciding whether bullying or harassment has occurred, the impact on the individual and whether the behaviour is unacceptable by normal standards will be the focus, rather than motive or intent.
Bullying and Harassment can include (but is certainly not limited to):
- Verbal abuse
- Insulting behaviour or personal insults, including making racist, homophobic, anti-Semitic or transphobic statements
- Coercive or menacing behaviour which interferes with dignity and privacy or which undermines an individual’s self-confidence
- Behaviour which incites racial hatred, e.g. wearing racist insignia or badges
- Offensive written or computer generated material, including the use of email and social media
- Unreasonable, unfair or offensive expectations about an individual’s disabilities or mischievous interference with personal aids or equipment
- Unwanted physical contact ranging from touching to serious assault
- Leering and offensive gestures
- Asserting a position of seniority in an aggressive, abusive or offensive manner e.g. inappropriate or derogatory remarks in connection with performance of duties / responsibilities
- Withholding important work-related information
- Ridicule, isolation or non-cooperation, exclusion from everyday social interaction or activities.
It is important to note that not all behaviour that is experienced as offensive will be unlawful harassment under the Equality Act 2010. For example, students’ learning experiences may include exposure to course material, discussions or speaker’s views that they find offensive or unacceptable, and this is unlikely to be considered harassment when balanced against the right to freedom of expression (Equality and Human Rights Commission, 2019).
We encourage you to disclose or report incidents, as then we can help to support you. You may decide to report an incident anonymously, which means that the incident will be logged for trend monitoring purposes, however we are unable to take any direct action on anonymous reports.
What is racial harassment?
The Equality Act 2010 states that a person harasses another if they engage in unwanted behaviour related to a relevant protected characteristic, such as race (including colour, ethnic origin, national identity, and heritage), and the behaviour has the purpose or effect of:
- violating the other person’s dignity, or
- creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that person.
Unwanted behaviour will amount to racial harassment if it has such an effect, even if that was not the intended purpose of the behaviour. In deciding whether behaviour has that effect each of the following must be taken into account:
- the perception of the person
- the other circumstances of the case, and
- whether it is reasonable for the behaviour to have that effect.
(Equality and Human Rights Commission, 2019)
What are racial microaggressions?
Racial microaggressions (also known as micro-incivilities / micro-inequities) have been defined as:
brief, everyday interactions that send denigrating messages to a person because they belong to a racially minoritised group. Compared to more overt forms of racism, racial microaggressions are subtle and insidious, often leaving the victim confused, distressed and frustrated and the perpetrator oblivious of the offense they have caused (Rollock, 2012).
Microaggression is not a legal term and such behaviour will not necessarily amount to harassment under the Equality Act 2010. This will depend on the facts of each case.
As the definition of microaggressions suggests, the perpetrator of the microaggression may not have any harassing intent. Whether their behaviour amounts to harassment is likely to depend on the effect it had on the victim. However, microaggressions that do not meet the Equality Act definition of harassment could lead to behaviour which does meet the definition through repetition or escalation of the behaviour (Equality and Human Rights Commission, 2018).
It is important to bear in mind that intent is not the same as impact; and a throw-away comment or joke can have a huge impact on another person. It is everyone’s responsibility to think about the impact that their words or actions might have on someone else.
If you think you or someone you know has been bullied or harassed, there is a variety of support options and resources available to students and staff.
Internal Support for Students and Staff
You can report incidents in several ways Via the College’s online reporting tool (below) or follow the complaints procedure. You can also report to:
- A designated safeguarding lead
- Through a senior staff member
Reports may be made anonymously, but doing so may limit the ability to investigate.
Internal Support for Students
Support is available from:
- The Student Support Services Team: the Student Support officers can be approached by students for general guidance on what to do if they have been subject to any instances of harassment or bullying.
- Students’ Representative Council (SRC): Independent support is also available to students through the Student Experience Committee of the SRC.
- Referrals to external support services (e.g., Rape Crisis, Victim Support).
Academic adjustments will be provided if needed.
Internal Support for Staff
Line managers: A staff member’s line manager has a neutral role to listen and to suggest a possible way forward. They can also advise you of procedures, both informal and formal and provide you with a copy of the policy and procedures.
HR: Christ the Redeemer College’s HR team can talk staff through the college’s procedures, how to make a report and what other support options are available, in confidence.
External Support and Resources
ACAS: The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) has a number of accessible online resources regarding bullying and harassment at work.
Education Support Partnership: They are a UK-based charity dedicated to improving the wellbeing and mental health of workers in Further and Higher Education. They offer free, confidential help and support.
National Bullying Helpline: They provide further information on bullying as well as suggestions on how to deal with bullying.
Samaritans: They can provide support and information if you are having a difficult time, are struggling to cope or if you are worried about someone else. They have a team of volunteers who are available to be contacted any time through their Helpline: 116 123. This number is free to call from both landlines and mobiles, including pay-as-you-go mobiles. You can also email them through: jo@samaritans.org.
HATE INCIDENTS
Hate incidents and hate crime are acts of violence or hostility directed at people because of who they are or who someone thinks they are.
The police and Crown Prosecution Service have agreed a common definition of hate incidents. They say something is a hate incident if the victim or anyone else thinks it was motivated by hostility or prejudice based on one of the following things: disability, race, religion, transgender identity and sexual orientation.
This means that if you believe something is a hate incident, it should be recorded as such by the person you are reporting it to. All police forces record hate incidents based on these five personal characteristics. Anyone can be the victim of a hate incident. For example, you may have been targeted because someone thought you were gay even though you are not, or because you have a disabled child.
When hate incidents become criminal offences they are known as hate crimes. A criminal offence is something which breaks the law of the land. Any criminal offence can be a hate crime if it was carried out because of hostility or prejudice based on disability, race, religion, transgender identity or sexual orientation.
When something is classed as a hate crime, the judge can impose a tougher sentence on the offender under the Criminal Justice Act 2003.
Hate incidents and hate crimes can take many forms. Here are examples of hate incidents:
- verbal abuse like name-calling and offensive jokes
- harassment
- bullying or intimidation by children, adults, neighbours or strangers
- physical attacks such as hitting, punching, pushing, spitting
- threats of violence
- hoax calls, abusive phone or text messages, hate mail
- online abuse, for example on Facebook or X/Twitter
- displaying or circulating discriminatory literature or posters
- harm or damage to things such as your home, pet, vehicle
- graffiti
- arson
- throwing rubbish into a garden
- malicious complaints for example over parking, smells or noise
On the other hand, below are examples of hate crimes:
- assaults
- criminal damage
- harassment
- murder
- sexual assault
- theft
- fraud
- burglary
- hate mail (Malicious Communications Act 1988)
- causing harassment, alarm or distress (Public Order Act 1986)
We encourage you to report any incidents, as then we can help to support you. You may decide to report an incident anonymously, which means that the incident will be logged for statistical purposes, however we are unable to take any direct action on anonymous reports.
Christ the Redeemer College (CRC) adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition on antisemitism in line with the UK government and recommendations from the United Nations. CRC also adopts the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Muslims’ definition of Islamophobia in line with UK governmental bodies.
Please note that CRC applies these definitions in a manner which is consistent with our legally-binding commitments to freedom of expression and to the rights of all students and staff to discuss difficult and sensitive topics, provided that this right is exercised responsibly, within the law, and with respect for others who have differing views.
By adopting these definitions, CRC demonstrates its strong commitment to tackling discrimination and various forms of racism.
Antisemitism
According to IHRA, antisemitism is: “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
Contemporary examples of antisemitism in public life, the media, schools, the workplace, and in the religious sphere could, taking into account the overall context, include, but are not limited to:
- Calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or harming of Jews in the name of a radical ideology or an extremist view of religion.
- Making mendacious, dehumanizing, demonizing, or stereotypical allegations about Jews as such or the power of Jews as collective — such as, especially but not exclusively, the myth about a world Jewish conspiracy or of Jews controlling the media, economy, government or other societal institutions.
- Accusing Jews as a people of being responsible for real or imagined wrongdoing committed by a single Jewish person or group, or even for acts committed by non-Jews.
- Denying the fact, scope, mechanisms (e.g. gas chambers) or intentionality of the genocide of the Jewish people at the hands of National Socialist Germany and its supporters and accomplices during World War II (the Holocaust).
- Accusing the Jews as a people, or Israel as a state, of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust.
- Accusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel, or to the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, than to the interests of their own nations.
- Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavour.
- Applying double standards by requiring of it a behaviour not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.
- Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g., claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterize Israel or Israelis.
- Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.
- Holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel.
It is important to recognise that this approach does not prevent criticism of Israel or the actions of the Israeli government, just as all other nation states and government can be the subject of critical discussion. For example, as set out by the Home Affairs Committee in 2016:
- It is not anti-Semitic to criticise the government of Israel, without additional evidence to suggest anti-Semitic intent.
- It is not anti-Semitic to hold the Israeli government to the same standards as other liberal democracies or to take a particular interest in the Israeli government’s policies or actions, without additional evidence to suggest anti-Semitic intent.
For full background on the IHRA definition of Antisemitism, please click here.
Islamophobia
APPG’s definition states “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.”
Contemporary examples of Islamophobia in public life, the media, schools, the workplace, and in encounters between the religious and non-religious in the public sphere could, taking into account the overall context, include, but are not limited to:
- Calling for, aiding, instigating or justifying the killing or harming of Muslims in the name of a racist/ fascist ideology, or an extremist view of religion.
- Making mendacious, dehumanizing, demonizing, or stereotypical allegations about Muslims as such, or of Muslims as a collective group, such as, especially but not exclusively, conspiracies about Muslim entryism in politics, government or other societal institutions; the myth of Muslim identity having a unique propensity for terrorism, and claims of a demographic ‘threat’ posed by Muslims or of a ‘Muslim takeover’.
- Accusing Muslims as a group of being responsible for real or imagined wrongdoing committed by a single Muslim person or group of Muslim individuals, or even for acts committed by non-Muslims.
- Accusing Muslims as a group, or Muslim majority states, of inventing or exaggerating Islamophobia, ethnic cleansing or genocide perpetrated against Muslims.
- Accusing Muslim citizens of being more loyal to the ‘Ummah’ (transnational Muslim community) or to their countries of origin, or to the alleged priorities of Muslims worldwide, than to the interests of their own nations.
- Denying Muslim populations the right to self-determination e.g., by claiming that the existence of an independent Palestine or Kashmir is a terrorist endeavour.
- Applying double standards by requiring of Muslims behaviours that are not expected or demanded of any other groups in society, e.g. loyalty tests.
- Using the symbols and images associated with classic Islamophobia (e.g. Muhammed being a paedophile, claims of Muslims spreading Islam by the sword or subjugating minority groups under their rule) to characterize Muslims as being ‘sex groomers’, inherently violent or incapable of living harmoniously in plural societies.
- Holding Muslims collectively responsible for the actions of any Muslim majority state, whether secular or constitutionally Islamic.
Please click here to read the full APPG report.
If you think you or someone you know has experienced a hate incident, there is a variety of support options available to students and staff.
Internal Support for Students and Staff
You can report incidents in several ways Via the College’s online reporting tool (below) or follow the complaints procedure. You can also report to:
- A designated safeguarding lead
- Through a senior staff member
Reports may be made anonymously, but doing so may limit the ability to investigate.
Internal Support for Students
Support is available from:
- The Student Support Services Team: the Student Support officers can be approached by students for general guidance on what to do if they have been subject to any instances of harassment or bullying.
- Students’ Representative Council (SRC): Independent support is also available to students through the Student Experience Committee of the SRC.
- Referrals to external support services (e.g., Rape Crisis, Victim Support).
Academic adjustments will be provided if needed.
Internal Support for Staff
Line managers: A staff member’s line manager has a neutral role to listen and to suggest a possible way forward. They can also advise you of procedures, both informal and formal and provide you with a copy of the policy and procedures.
HR: Christ the Redeemer College’s HR team can talk staff through the college’s procedures, how to make a report and what other support options are available, in confidence.
External Support and Resources
ACAS: The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) has a number of accessible online resources regarding bullying and harassment at work.
Education Support Partnership: They are a UK-based charity dedicated to improving the wellbeing and mental health of workers in Further and Higher Education. They offer free, confidential help and support.
Samaritans: They can provide support and information if you are having a difficult time, are struggling to cope or if you are worried about someone else. They have a team of volunteers who are available to be contacted any time through their Helpline: 116 123. This number is free to call from both landlines and mobiles, including pay-as-you-go mobiles. You can also email them through: jo@samaritans.org.
Citizens Advice Bureau: They provide free, confidential and independent advice from over 3,000 locations. Advice is available face-to-face and by telephone. Citizens Advice also act as a Third Party Reporting Centre and can work with other local organisations to make sure victims get all the help they need.
Equality Advisory Support Service: The EASS can give information and guidance on discrimination and human rights issues. The service is free and fully accessible by phone (0808 800 0082), email, fax, post, video link for those who wish use BSL and has access to advocacy services for those with mental ill health and people with a learning disability.
Galop: They are a confidential and independent charity based within LGBT+ communities. They can help individuals who have experienced homophobia, transphobia or biphobia wherever it occurs.
Jami UK: This organisation guides members of the Jewish community through the challenging journey of navigating mental health services, providing emotional support and expert advice.
Mental Health Support: They provide further information on adult bullying as well as suggestions on how to deal with bullying.
Tell Mama: Tell MAMA (Measuring Anti-Muslim Attacks) is a secure and reliable service that allows people from across England to report any form of Anti-Muslim abuse. They have created a unique portal where individuals may address their concerns and record any incident that they experience as a result of their Muslim faith or someone perceiving them to be Muslim.
The Community Security Trust: They are a charity that protects British Jews from antisemitism and related threats. They also provide security advice and training for Jewish communal organisations, schools and synagogues.
Victim Support: They are an independent charity in England and Wales that provides specialist practical and emotional support to victims and witnesses of crime. They can be contacted through their Victim Support line: 0808 16 89 111 or by email: supportline@victimsupport.org.uk
Inclusion London: A charity promoting equality for London’s Deaf and Disabled people.
Need to contact the Police?
If you are in immediate danger or are seriously injured, you can call 999 (or 112 from a mobile). For non-emergency calls, dial 101. To find out more information about how the Metropolitan Police can support you, please click here.
SEXUAL MISCONDUCT AND VIOLENCE
Sexual misconduct and violence is an umbrella term which captures a range of behaviours including rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, indecent exposure, image-based sexual abuse or so called “Revenge Porn”, and stalking.
The College definition of Sexual Misconduct and Violence is: any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature which occurred in person or by letter, telephone, text, email or other electronic and/or social media and includes, but is not limited to, the following behaviour:
- Engaging, or attempting to engage in a sexual act with another individual without consent;
- Sexually touching another person without their consent;
- Conduct of a sexual nature which creates (or could create) an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment for others including making unwanted remarks of a sexual nature;
- Inappropriately showing sexual organs to another person;
- Repeatedly following another person without good reason;
- Recording and/or sharing intimate images or recordings of another person without their consent; and
- Arranging or participating in events which may reasonably be assumed to cause degradation and humiliation to those who have experienced sexual violence, for example inappropriately themed social events or initiations.
If you think you or someone you know has experienced an incident of sexual misconduct and violence, there is a variety of support options and resources available to students and staff.
Regardless of whether you would like to report an incident of sexual misconduct and violence, we highly recommend contacting a Sexual Assault Referral Centre where you can access a range of confidential support including advice, counselling, sexual health screening referrals, a forensic medical examination and/or the support of an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA).
Internal Support for Students and Staff
You can report incidents in several ways Via the College’s online reporting tool (below) or follow the complaints procedure. You can also report to:
- A designated safeguarding lead
- Through a senior staff member
Reports may be made anonymously, but doing so may limit the ability to investigate.
Internal Support for Students
Support is available from:
- The Student Support Services Team: You can disclose incidents of sexual misconduct and violence to your College Student Support Officer. They will provide you with support and recommend to you specialist help as appropriate. They can help you consider your reporting options including reporting to the College to initiate the process within the Sexual Misconduct and Violence Policy.
- Students’ Representative Council (SRC): Independent support is also available to students through the Student Experience Committee of the SRC.
- Referrals to external support services (e.g., Rape Crisis, Victim Support).
Academic adjustments will be provided if needed.
Internal Support for Staff
Line managers: A staff member’s line manager has a neutral role to listen and to suggest a possible way forward. They can also advise you of procedures, both informal and formal and provide you with a copy of the policy and procedures.
HR: Christ the Redeemer College’s HR team can talk staff through the college’s procedures, how to make a report and what other support options are available, in confidence.
External Support and Resources
Sexual Assault Referral Centre: Sexual Assault Referral Centres offer advice, support, counselling, sexual health screening referrals, confidential forensic medical examination and the support of an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA). You can approach them in confidence, whether or not you wish to make a formal report to the Police or University. They can collect and store forensic evidence and support you if you later choose to report the incident to the Police. It is also possible to pass on anonymous information about the sexual assault, which may help agencies identify offending patterns / behaviour or serial offenders.
London Survivors Gateway: The London Survivors Gateway offers victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse help to access specialist services in London. They provide information on what help is available after rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse or any form of sexual violence and offer support to access these services. We work with anyone aged 13 or above regardless of gender, sexuality, disability, language, ethnicity or immigration status.
Women & Girls Network: A free service run by women, for women in London who have been affected by all forms of violence and abuse.
Survivors UK (for men): Survivors UK offers web chat helpline support to men who have experienced sexual violence, and their families and carers. The web chat is open daily from 12pm to 8pm.
Revenge Porn Helpline: They offer confidential advice and support to individuals who have had intimate photos and/or videos distributed off/online. Open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm. They can be contacted at 0345 6000 459.
National Male Survivor Helpline (for men): They offer support to men affected by rape or childhood sexual abuse. They can be contacted at 0808 800 5005.
Rape and Sexual Assault Overseas: Guidance on what to do if you get sexually assaulted whilst abroad, including how the local Embassy can help.
National Stalking Helpline: They offer information, advice and guidance to individuals who are victims of stalking. Open weekdays 9.30am to 4pm and Wednesdays 1pm to 4pm. They can be contacted at 0808 802 0300.
Karma Nirvana National Helpline: They provide support to victims of Forced Marriage and Honour Based Abuse. They can be contacted at 0800 5999 247 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Resources for Self Help
VictimFocus: Caring for yourself after sexual violence: Free E-learning course with unlimited access.
Survivors Network: Survivors Self Help Guide: A self help guide for survivors who want to understand and process their own personal reactions to their experience
Survivors Network: Resources: A list of resources for survivors and supporters including self-help guides, videos, galleries and more.
Need to contact the Police?
If you are in immediate danger or are seriously injured, you can call 999 (or 112 from a mobile). For non-emergency calls, dial 101. To find out more information about how the Metropolitan Police can support you, please click here.
DOMESTIC ABUSE
Domestic abuse and coercive or controlling behaviour is defined as any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.
This can include, but is not limited to:
- Psychological;
- Physical;
- Sexual;
- Financial; and/or
- Emotional abuse.
Talking to someone and seeking support following abuse can be difficult. If you think you or someone you know has experienced an incident of domestic abuse, there is a variety of support options available to students and staff to help you decide on the next steps.
Internal Support for Students and Staff
You can report incidents in several ways Via the College’s online reporting tool (below) or follow the complaints procedure. You can also report to:
- A designated safeguarding lead
- Through a senior staff member
Reports may be made anonymously, but doing so may limit the ability to investigate.
Internal Support for Students
Support is available from:
- The Student Support Services Team: You can disclose incidents of domestic abuse to your College Student Support Officer. They will provide you with support and recommend to you specialist help as appropriate. They can help you consider your reporting options including reporting to the College to initiate the process within the Sexual Misconduct and Violence Policy.
- Students’ Representative Council (SRC): Independent support is also available to students through the Student Experience Committee of the SRC.
- Referrals to external support services (e.g., Rape Crisis, Victim Support).
Academic adjustments will be provided if needed.
Internal Support for Staff
Line managers: A staff member’s line manager has a neutral role to listen and to suggest a possible way forward. They can also advise you of procedures, both informal and formal and provide you with a copy of the policy and procedures.
HR: Christ the Redeemer College’s HR team can talk staff through the college’s procedures, how to make a report and what other support options are available, in confidence.
External Support and Resources
Harbour: Harbour provides support, help and information to women and men experiencing domestic violence. They can be contacted at 0300 20 25 25.
24-Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline (for women): They provide support, help and information to women experiencing domestic violence. They can be contacted at 0808 2000 247.
Men’s Advice Line (for men): They provide support, help and information to men experiencing domestic violence. They can be contacted at 0808 801 0327.
Resources for Self Help
The Survivor’s Handbook: A practical support and information guide for women experiencing domestic abuse.
Survivors Network: Survivors Self Help Guide: A self help guide for survivors who want to understand and process their own personal reactions to their experience
Survivors Network: Resources: A list of resources for survivors and supporters including self-help guides, videos, galleries and more.
Need to contact the Police?
If you are in immediate danger or are seriously injured, you can call 999 (or 112 from a mobile). For non-emergency calls, dial 101. To find out more information about how the Metropolitan Police can support you, please click here.
ONLINE HARASSMENT
Online harassment can be defined as the use of information and communication technologies by an individual or group to repeatedly cause harm to another person.
This may involve threats, embarrassment, or humiliation in an online setting. This includes expressions of discriminatory attitudes and beliefs—such as sexism, racism, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia or ableist prejudices. It also includes online sexual harassment, cyberstalking, and image based sexual abuse or other unwanted online conduct of a sexual nature.
Online harassment is also known as cyberaggression, cyberbullying, cyber-harassment, cyberhate, cybervictimisation and deviant online behaviour. It takes place in contexts such as social media (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and X/Twitter), SMS, instant messaging (via devices, email provider services, apps, and social media messaging features) and email.
- spreading rumours, ridiculing, and/or demeaning others
- harassing others because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity
- seeking revenge or deliberately embarrassing a person online
- engaging in unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature via text, email or other electronic and/or social media including using intimate images or recordings of another person
- impersonating others, even through their own accounts, with malicious intent
- sending inflammatory, inappropriate, rude and/or violent messages or comments about someone to provoke responses from other users
- exposing others to unwanted or offensive content in digital groups or meetings
Effects
The kinds of unwanted behaviours described above can provoke a range of physical, psychological, and emotional effects:
- stress, anxiety and/or panic attacks
- loss of self-esteem
- feelings of powerlessness
- changes in sleep and eating patterns
- hypervigilance and increased anxiety
- fear for personal safety
- reduced academic and professional performance
Protect yourself
If you are experiencing online harassment you can take the following steps to protect yourself:
- If the harasser is known to you, make it clear that you do not want them to contact you again
- Do not engage with individual cyberbullies
- Block the accounts or individuals committing the unwanted behaviour
- Change personal contact information such as phone numbers or email addresses
- Make a record of the interactions and log any harassing activity with timestamps
- Save all the evidence of communication in electronic and in hard copy format, do not edit or alter these in any way
- Report the incident to the College or the police
Report
Talking to someone and seeking support following unwanted behaviour can be difficult. If you think you or someone you know has experienced an incident of online harassment, there are a variety of report options available to students and staff. You can report unwanted online behaviour in the following ways:
Reporting at Christ the Redeemer College:
You can report all forms of online harassment anonymously or with contact details via the Reporting and Support tool (see below). You can also report online harassment from students through the procedures set out in the Bullying and Harassment Policy and Procedure for Students; and you can report unwanted online behaviour from staff through the Respect at Work policy and procedures. Cases of online sexual harassment can be reported through the Sexual Misconduct and Violence Policy and related procedures.
Reporting externally:
You can call the police on 999 to report emergencies or by calling 101 for non-emergencies.
Content linked to terrorism can be reported through https://www.gov.uk/report-terrorism
You can report child sexual abuse content, criminally obscene adult content, and non-photographic child sexual abuse images here: https://www.iwf.org.uk/
Hate crime including online content can be reported at: www.report-it.org.uk
Harmful or upsetting content can be reported at: https://reportharmfulcontent.com
If you have been the victim of fraud contact https://www.cifas.org.uk
To report cybercrime contact www.actionfraud.police.uk/
Reporting to Social media platforms:
Google: https://support.google.com/groups/answer/81275?hl=en
Twitter: https://support.twitter.com/articles/15789
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/intl/en-GB/yt/about/policies/#reporting-and-enforcement
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/help/contact/274459462613911
Instagram: https://help.instagram.com/519598734752872
Snapchat: https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/7012399221652-How-do-I-report-abuse-or-illegal-content-on-Snapchat
Internal Support for Students and Staff
You can report incidents in several ways Via the College’s online reporting tool (below) or follow the complaints procedure. You can also report to:
- A designated safeguarding lead
- Through a senior staff member
Reports may be made anonymously, but doing so may limit the ability to investigate.
Internal Support for Students
Support is available from:
- The Student Support Services Team: You can disclose incidents of domestic abuse to your College Student Support Officer. They will provide you with support and recommend to you specialist help as appropriate. They can help you consider your reporting options including reporting to the College to initiate the process within the Sexual Misconduct and Violence Policy.
- Students’ Representative Council (SRC): Independent support is also available to students through the Student Experience Committee of the SRC.
- Referrals to external support services (e.g., Rape Crisis, Victim Support).
Academic adjustments will be provided if needed.
Internal Support for Staff
Line managers: A staff member’s line manager has a neutral role to listen and to suggest a possible way forward. They can also advise you of procedures, both informal and formal and provide you with a copy of the policy and procedures.
HR: Christ the Redeemer College’s HR team can talk staff through the college’s procedures, how to make a report and what other support options are available, in confidence.
Please click on the headings for further information
Speak Up & Stay Safe(r): A Guide to Protecting Yourself From Online Harassment
Christ the Redeemer College seeks to provide an inclusive, and respectful environment for staff and students, one which is free from harassment and bullying. We expect that all members of our community will be treated with dignity and respect at all times. As a safe environment is created collectively through the actions and interactions of its members, unwanted behaviour in the form of bullying, harassment, hate incidents, or sexual misconduct and violence (in verbal and non-verbal form) is not tolerated. This includes online behaviour and interactions in public and institutional digital spaces.
Online harassment, also known as cyberbullying, can be described as the use of information and communication technologies by an individual or group to cause harm to another person. This often involves uninvited, intimidating, offensive comments or replies, photos or other content which is used to personally attack, intimidate, threaten or upset an individual. This includes expressions of discriminatory attitudes and beliefs in wider society and local communities—such as sexism, racism, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia or ableist prejudices. It also includes online sexual harassment, cyberstalking, and image based sexual abuse.
Instances of online harassment will result in disciplinary action in accordance with the policies and procedures for staff and student conduct. Reports of online harassment are taken seriously to ensure that we preserve a safe environment for our students and staff to work and study.
If you are experiencing harassment online, or you know someone who is, you should avoid responding online and make a report about online harassment to CRC through the tool below.
Staff
The Staff Concerns Policy outlines expected behaviours, how reports of harassment (including online harassment) can be made, and the procedures through which these will be investigated. Cases of online sexual harassment, cyberstalking, and image based sexual abuse are dealt with through the Sexual Misconduct and Violence Policy. The Personal Internet Presence and the use of Social Media policy outlines good practice, including the avoidance of any detrimental incidents or those involving any form of abuse. IT Acceptable Usage Policy outlines staff responsibilities when accessing and using College IT networks, systems and services. You can report a security incident or something going wrong through the College’s IT reporting procedure.
Students
The Bullying and Harassment Policy and Procedure for Students outlines expected behaviours, how reports of harassment (including online harassment) can be made, and the procedures through which these will be investigated. Complaints relating to harassment or bullying by students will be investigated under the Bullying and Harassment Policy and Procedure for Students and cases of online sexual harassment, cyberstalking, and image based sexual abuse are dealt with through the Sexual Misconduct and Violence Policy. IT Acceptable Usage Policy outlines student responsibilities when accessing and using College IT networks, systems and services.
SPIKING
Spiking a drink with substances such as alcohol or drugs or spiking by injection (regardless of any motivation, e.g. sexual violence/theft) are serious criminal offences with a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and also constitute serious disciplinary offences within the College with sanctions including expulsion or dismissal.
One of the most common motivations for spiking is to commit a sexual offence. Perpetrators who choose to spike another person are committing a sexual offence whether or not they commit any other form of sexual violence. There is no excuse for spiking and all guilt and responsibility lies with the perpetrator. The victim is never to blame.
Safety Advice
Do not add any substance (including alcohol) to another person’s drink without their consent. Doing this can cause serious and dangerous health consequences for the victim along with emotional and psychological trauma.
There are no guaranteed ways for individuals to prevent another person from spiking and the person subjected to spiking is never at fault. The following actions can help make it more difficult for a perpetrator to spike your drink. Perpetrators will spike any type of drink, including non-alcoholic drinks, and spiking can occur at any venue, public or private, including parties in houses. If your drink is spiked, it is not your fault.
- Watch your and your friends’ drinks being served.
- Use an anti-drink spiking device, such as a Spikey or lid cover.
- Never leave drinks unattended – keep them in your hand or in sight.
- Do not accept drinks from anyone that you don’t know.
- If you are unsure about your drink, don’t drink it.
How to be an Active Bystander
Do not tolerate jokes about spiking. As an active bystander, if you hear your friends or peers joking about or planning drink spiking or see something that is concerning, you can intervene if it is safe to do so. Remember the 4 D’s: Direct intervention, Distract, Delegate, or Delay.
If you suspect your friend has been spiked:
- Stay with them and keep talking to them.
- Don’t let them go home on their own or leave them with someone you don’t know or trust.
- Try to prevent them from drinking more alcohol as this can worsen their condition.
- Call an ambulance if their condition deteriorates.
Signs of Drink Spiking
Drugs used to spike drinks are very difficult to detect as they are tasteless, colourless and odourless. Additional alcohol is also hard to detect in alcoholic drinks. The effects of drink spiking vary depending on what substance was used and if it is mixed with other substances, e.g. alcohol, recreational or prescription drugs. Symptoms could include:
- Lowered inhibitions
- Loss of balance
- Feeling sleepy
- Visual problems
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Unconsciousness
- Get help from a trusted friend or a member of staff at the venue. Many venues across London now have trained welfare staff.
- Seek medical advice. If seriously unwell, someone you trust should take you to your nearest A&E department; otherwise call 111 or consult your GP. If you suspect spiking by injection, seek testing for infections such as hepatitis and HIV. A&E do not offer toxicology tests and will only perform tests for drugs when it is necessary to determine medical treatment.
- Report to the Police. Call 999 if at risk or 101 if in a place of safety. Police can test blood, urine, hair, drinks and vomit for drugs. The Metropolitan Police offer rapid result urine tests. Some drugs leave the body in a very short time (within 12 hours), so it is important to test as soon as possible. Other drugs remain in the body longer, so testing will still be considered up to five days after an incident (increasing to seven for some drugs).
- Go to a designated safe place.
- Get safe transport.
- Get help from a drug and alcohol recovery service such as Via. You can go along with someone that you trust, such as a friend.
- Report to the College through the Reporting and Support service to access support from College Student Support Office staff and specialist services. The College will then contact you to discuss your report and supporting options further before taking any action.
- If you have been subjected to rape or sexual assault (or other forms of sexual violence), you have additional reporting and support options available to you. SARC Support Service offers advice, support, counselling, sexual health screening referrals, confidential forensic medical examination and the support of an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA). You can approach them in confidence, whether or not you wish to make a formal report to the Police or College.
REPORTING AND SUPPORT TOOL
There are two ways you can tell us what happened:
ACCREDITATIONS AND COLLABORATIONS












