Harassment or stalking

If you’ve been subjected to harassment or stalking, it can leave you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or isolated. There’s no right or wrong way to feel, and you can do something about it.

Harassment and stalking are unacceptable, against university policies and prohibited under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. You deserve to feel safe. 

This article explains what harassment is, your options, and where to find support.

If you have been subjected to harassment related to a protected characteristic, you can find out more about it here.

What is harassment?

Under the terms of the Equality Act (2010), is any unwanted behaviour in relation to their protected characteristics that has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them and that given the circumstances of the behaviour the impact cannot be considered reasonable. It includes unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, and any less favourable treatment of the subject of harassment on the basis that they either rejected or submitted to the unwanted conduct.  

What is sexual harassment?

We define sexual misconduct as any unwanted or attempted unwanted conduct of a sexual nature. This includes, but is not limited to: sexual harassment, sexual assault; and rape.   The University does not tolerate harassment and sexual misconduct as defined in law, nor does it tolerate vexatious claims of harassment and recognises that is required by law to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of our employees in the course of their employment.  The University’s approach to harassment and sexual misconduct of students is in accordance with Condition of Registration E6 - defined in the ‘Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedure.

What is stalking? 

Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted behaviour that causes you to feel distressed or scared. 

Stalking can include physically following a person, watching or spying on them or forcing unwanted contact with them through any means, including social media.  

Harassment is a criminal offence under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 and the Stalking Protection Act 2019:

I have been subjected to harassment or stalking

Your safety and wellbeing

  • Are you in danger? If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured, you can contact your local emergency services (eg. If you are in the UK, call 999).
  • Find a safe space. If you feel unsafe, find a trusted person or safe space immediately.
  • Seek support. Consider whether you need medical support or emotional support (e.g., from a friend, family member, or a professional). Further information about support services [insert link] 

For information on wellbeing support offered to University of London students, please visit Support and wellbeing | University of London 

TalkCampus - TalkCampus is an app-based peer support network that is free for University of London students studying at one of our Recognised Teaching Centres or online, to give and receive mental health support anonymously, or to call the crisis line to speak to a trained clinician anytime 24/7 who offer support in 26 different languages.

Global Crisis Lines - explore this directory for specialised crisis lines available around the world.

Document what happened

  • Write down what happened as soon as you can, including dates, times, places, and any witnesses.
  • Keep any evidence (e.g., messages, emails, photos).

This is helpful whether or not you decide to report it.

Consider reporting and seeking a resolution

  • Report + Support. Students, staff and visitors can share the details of an incident [Insert link] using the University’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or with your name and contact details. If you report with your name and contact details, 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.
  • University Procedures and Resolution. If you choose to make a report to the University about a student or member of staff, there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow and the possible resolutions available to you. Further information about procedures and resolution options. [insert link].
  • Share anonymously. You can choose to share anonymously, meaning no identifying information has to be shared. This option also includes the ability to opt into continued communication with a case worker. Further information about anonymous reporting [insert link]. 
  • Share with contact details. You can choose to share your experience and give your contact details so that you get a direct response. You can choose who your report goes to [insert link]. 
  • Reporting to the police. Harassment is a criminal offence under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. You have the right to report it. You do not have to choose between reporting to the university or the police; you can do both [insert link to further information]. 

Take your time

  • You don’t have to make decisions straight away. It’s okay to take the time you need to think about what’s right for you. 
  • Take the time to read and understand what your options are.
  • Request to speak to an advisor through Report + Support and discuss your options.

Consider Legal Protection

You might be able to apply for a restraining order or injunction to prevent further contact. Specialist organisations or legal advisers can help you explore this.

Where to get support

Organisations that can help you:

International list of Sexual and Domestic violence agencies - find information about available local support offered in over 115 languages. 

Global Directory - explore services based all over the world for you to find more local, specific help on abuse and violence. 

Someone I know has been subjected to harassment or stalking

Listen without judgement or interruption

  • Let them lead the conversation — focus on what they want to share.
  • Avoid asking “why” questions that could sound like blame.
  • Use phrases like:
    • “Thank you for telling me.”
    • “That shouldn’t have happened to you.”
    • “I’m here for you.”

Believe them

  • One of the most powerful things you can do is believe them.
  • Avoid playing down what happened or making excuses for the perpetrator.

Offer practical help and options

  • Ask what they would like from you:
    • “Would you like help reporting this?”
    • “Do you want me to come with you to speak to someone?”
    • “Would you like me to just sit with you while you decide?”
    • “Would you like me to walk home with you?”
  • Help them explore their options, but don’t pressure them to take any particular action.
  • Research options available to them (see section on I have experienced harassment or other pages on this site).

 Respect their decisions

  • Whether they choose to report or not, that’s their choice.
  • If they don’t feel safe or ready to report, respect that decision.

Look after yourself too

  • Supporting someone through a difficult experience can also take an emotional toll on you. It’s okay to seek support yourself (without breaking their confidentiality).
  • Know your limits of how much you can support someone and what is too much for you to offer.

 Challenge harassment when safe

  • If you witness harassment in the future and feel it’s safe to do so, speak up or challenge it.
  • Learn more about bystander interventions [insert link]. 

Consent Collective - for University of London students based at one of our Recognised Teaching Centres or studying online, you can access video resources and bespoke modules to learn about how to intervene as a bystander.

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There are two ways you can tell us what happened

Share anonymously or Share with contact details