If you think someone you know has been sexually harassed there are lots of ways in which you can help them.
Understanding the behaviours associated with sexual harassment is a good place to start. Most people will be able to describe what has or is happening to them and how it's making them feel.
Sexual harassment is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature which violates your dignity, makes you feel intimidated, degraded or humiliated, or creates a hostile or offensive environment
Think
- Are they in immediate danger? If they are in immediate danger or seriously injured, you can call 999 (or 112 from a mobile).
- Find a safe space. If an incident has just happened try and find somewhere they feel safe. If this isn't possible and they are scared or fearful whilst in the Turing’s office space, you can call security on 020 7412 7007 (British Library Control room)
- What is sexual harassment? It might be useful to think about what is meant by sexual harassment and how these behaviours are described.
Talk
- Listen. Just taking the time to listen to someone and talk about what has happened can help. These six active listening tips might help you support them.
Published on Oct 4, 2015 Based on the Samaritans guidelines for active listening
- Give options. When they have finished talking ask them if they are okay to talk through some possible options and next steps-
- HR team An advisor can talk employees through the Turing's procedures, how to make a complaint and what support is available, in confidence.
- Academic Services team An advisor can talk students and Turing Research Fellows through the Turing's procedures, how to make a complaint and what support is available, in confidence.
- Academic Engagement team An advisor can talk a Turing Fellow, TUL, ULM, or someone on a visiting access contract through the Turing's procedures, how to make a complaint and what support is available, in confidence.
Report
- Report and Support Any Turing member can report an incident using the Turing’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can request support from an advisor. If you choose to talk to an advisor they will be able to talk through the options and support available to you, in confidence.
- Turing Procedure If you choose to make a formal complaint to the Turing about a Turing member, there are policies which set out the steps you'll need to follow.
Get Support
Mental Health and Wellbeing
1 in 4 people is affected by a mental health problem in any year and it is estimated that around 1 in 5 people has contemplated suicide or self-harm.
- If you are worried or concerned find out more about how you can help them
- Take care of yourself. It’s important that you take care of yourself. If you’ve heard something distressing or if something is troubling you, Turing's External Supervision and the Employee Assistance Programme offer confidential help and is open to both students and staff.