At Southampton Solent University we believe that bullying, harassment, assault and discrimination are never acceptable.
If you have been affected by bullying or harassment, you can let us know using the You Report, We Support form.
Bullying is a pattern of unwanted behaviour which can be malicious, intimidating, offensive or insulting. Bullying can include verbal and non-verbal behaviour including social media posts (cyber bullying).
Anyone can be bullied but it usually involves individuals or groups with more power bullying someone with less, with the intention of humiliating, undermining or injuring another person. The person who is being bullied can feel humiliated, threatened or upset.
Harassment is unwanted actions, behaviour or language by an individual or group which violates a person’s dignity and creates a hostile, degrading, intimidating, humiliating or offensive environment. Sexual harassment is when these actions or behaviours are sexual in nature. Harassment may be an isolated incident or a pattern of behaviour.
Harassment against a person due which is based on a part of their identity is a hate crime. Hate crime is defined as a crime against someone based on a part of their identity. There are five categories of ‘identity’ when a person is targeted because of a hostility or prejudice towards their:
From 1 April 2026 it is a criminal offence to 'intentionally harass, alarm, or distress' a person 'because of' their actual or presumed sex. A person is guilty of the criminal offence if they:
If you're being bullied and need support, there is a free, confidential text service from Shout available for you 24/7.
The National Bullying Helpline: advice and support.
Ditch the Label. An online advice and support community for young people up to the age of 25 who have experienced bullying.
Report a hate crime to Hampshire & IOW Constabulary.
Victim Support is the independent charity for people affected by crime and traumatic events in England and Wales. Their support is free and confidential.
The University offers wellbeing support through the Mental Health and Wellbeing Team. For details of the services available and to book an appointment, please check their portal page.
Visit the Student Hub for advice and information about the complaints process or to discuss submitting extenuating circumstances if your studies have or are being affected. The Student Hub is also a hate crime third party reporting centre.