Harassment and bullying

Whilst this information is pertinent for all, Serving personnel are advised to view the Equality and Diversity area of this site.

What is bullying?
Bullying is persistent unwelcome behaviour, mainly using unwarranted or inaccurate criticism and fault finding. Additionally exclusion, isolation, being singled out and treated differently can be considered bullying, as can being shouted at, humiliated, suffering excessive monitoring, having inappropriate or untrue verbal and written warnings imposed, and much more. In the workplace, bullying usually focuses on distorted or fabricated allegations of underperformance.

What is harassment? 
Harassment is unwanted and unwelcome behaviour, which may range from mildly unpleasant remarks to physical violence. Harassment is termed sexual harassment if the unwanted behaviours are linked to your gender or sexual orientation. The EU definition of sexual harassment is "unwanted conduct of a sexual nature or other conduct based on sex affecting the dignity of men and women at work".

What to do?
So what do you do if you think you are being bullied or harassed? The important thing to remember is you do not have to put up with it, you have a RIGHT to live and work unmolested and free from ill-treatment. Therefore you have a right to complain and challenge any wrongdoing.

The Directgov website offers further advice on reporting bullying in the workplace and on protection from harassment and discrimination whilst also providing information and advice on child bullying.

Cyber-Bullying
Is a term that is frequently being used with the internet being such an integral part of children’s lives. Both the UK Council for Child Internet Safety and the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) centre provide advice and information on this and a multitude of other internet safety related issues.