The definitions provided on this page are for illustrative purposes only and are not a definite list, there is often overlap between definitions. If you have experienced anything that has made you feel uncomfortable you can report it, either anonymously or with contact details or you can request to speak with one of our advisors. You can also visit the Support Page for information on definitions and the internal and external support services available.
Bullying
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.
Harassment (non-sexual)
Harassment is unwanted conduct which adversely affects the dignity of an individual and which causes the recipient to experience alarm or distress. The key is that the actions or comments could reasonably be viewed as being hostile or intimidating, demeaning and unacceptable to the recipient.
Hate incident based on multiple characteristics
A hate incident is any incident which is perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated by prejudice or hate. This may or may not constitute a criminal offense and could be based on a person’s disability, race, religion, sexual orientation and/or transgender identity.
Hate incident based on disability
Any incident which is perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated by prejudice or hate based on a person’s disability. This may or may not constitute a criminal offense.
Hate incident based on race
Any incident which is perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated by prejudice or hate based on a person’s race. This may or may not constitute a criminal offense.
Hate incident based on religion
Any incident which is perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated by prejudice or hate based on a person’s religion. This may or may not constitute a criminal offense.
Hate incident based on sexual orientation
Any incident which is perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated by prejudice or hate based on a person’s sexual orientation. This may or may not constitute a criminal offense.
Hate incident based on transgender identity
Any incident which is perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated by prejudice or hate based on a person’s transgender identity. This may or may not constitute a criminal offense.
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, spiritual and/or emotional abuse.
Rape or attempted rape
Engaging, or attempting to engage in a sexual act with another individual without consent
Sexual Assault
Sexually touching another person without their consent
Sexual Harassment
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. This may include misuses of power enacted by staff especially in their relations with students or staff members, e.g. inappropriate or unwanted behaviour such as harassment, grooming, bullying, sexual invitations, comments and non-verbal communication with sexual content or overtones, creation of inappropriate sexual atmosphere, and promised resources in exchange for sexual interaction.
Indecent Exposure
Inappropriately showing sexual organs to another person
Image-based sexual abuse or so called "Revenge Porn"
Recording and/or sharing intimate images or recordings of another person without their consent
Stalking
Repeatedly following another person without good reason
Spiking
Drink spiking is the addition of a substance to someone's drink without their knowledge or permission; substances added are usually drugs or alcohol. Needle spiking is when an unsuspecting person is injected with drugs using a needle. Spiking may be linked to other offences including sexual assault and theft.