Durham University seeks to provide an inclusive, and respectful environment for staff and students, one which is free from harassment and bullying. We expect that all members of our community will be treated with dignity and respect at all times. As a safe environment is created collectively through the actions and interactions of its members, unwanted behaviour in the form of bullying, harassment, hate incidents, or sexual misconduct and violence (in verbal and non-verbal form) is not tolerated. This includes online behaviour and interactions in public and institutional digital spaces. 

 

Online harassment, also known as cyberbullying, can be described as the use of information and communication technologies by an individual or group to cause harm to another person. This often involves uninvited, intimidating, offensive comments or replies, photos or other content which is used to personally attack, intimidate, threaten or upset an individual. This includes expressions of discriminatory attitudes and beliefs in wider society and local communities—such as sexism, racism, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia or ableist prejudices.  It also includes online sexual harassment, cyberstalking, and image based sexual abuse. 

 

Instances of online harassment will result in disciplinary action in accordance with the policies and procedures for staff and student conduct. Reports of online harassment are taken seriously to ensure that we preserve a safe environment for our students and staff to work and study. 

 

If you are experiencing harassment online, or you know someone who is, you should avoid responding online and make a report about online harassment to Durham University through this tool. 

The Staff Concerns Policy outlines expected behaviours, how reports of harassment (including online harassment) can be made, and the procedures through which these will be investigated. Cases of online sexual harassment, cyberstalking, and image based sexual abuse are dealt with through the  Sexual Misconduct and Violence Policy. The disciplinary regulations for staff can be found here. The Personal Internet Presence and the use of Social Media policy outlines good practice, including the avoidance of any detrimental incidents or those involving any form of abuse. IT Regulations outline staff responsibilities when accessing and using University IT networks, systems and services. You can report a security incident or something going wrong through the University’s IT reporting procedure. 

The Bullying and Harassment Policy and Procedure for Students outlines expected behaviours, how reports of harassment (including online harassment) can be made, and the procedures through this these will be investigated. Complaints relating to harassment or bullying by students will be investigated under the Bullying and Harassment Policy and Procedure for Students and cases of online sexual harassment, cyberstalking, and image based sexual abuse are dealt with through the Sexual Misconduct and Violence Policy. IT Regulations outline student responsibilities when accessing and using University IT networks, systems and services.