Experiencing or witnessing sexual harassment may make you feel incredibly uncomfortable and vulnerable, especially if you are alone. It may make you reluctant to report it, through fear of what might happen if you do. You may feel like it is just a part of life, however sexual harassment is never OK, and it is important to know that you can decide what happens next.
Sexual harassment is not a criminal offence, but it is classed as a form of unlawful discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. It is also contrary to the Student Discipline Policy and Disciplinary Code of Conduct. If you have been harassed within a university setting, either as a student or a member of staff, Heriot-Watt have a responsibility to deal with the incident.
University support services
- Report+Support allows students and staff to report incidents either anonymously or with contact details for follow-up. The service also provides information on a range of different incidents, along with both internal and external support services.
- Student Wellbeing Services can provide information and advice to help support students for a number of issues and direct them to more specialist support services. They also have a counselling service which provides one-to-one, confidential support for students, in the form of short-term counselling or referral to specialised support services.
- The Advice Hub offer free, impartial and confidential advice to students about a range of issues, including mental health and wellbeing.
- Respect Ambassadors are staff members who can provide confidential guidance and support to staff who have witnessed or experienced inappropriate behaviour or are having a difficult time.
- Care First is a health package for staff, which offers support for a range of practical and emotional issues, as well as one-to-one counselling sessions.
Reporting to the Police Whilst sexual harassment is not a criminal offence, if you’re being harassed and feel that you are in danger you should contact the police.
‘Flashing’, ‘upskirting’ and stalking are all criminal offences. Any incidents should be reported to Police Scotland by visiting your local police station, online or by calling 101. You can also report the incident anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
If you are being threatened or are in immediate danger, please call 999.