Speak Up

We want to create an inclusive campus where diversity is celebrated, antisocial attitudes and behaviours are challenged and any type of harassment, assault and discrimination aren't acceptable. We want you to speak up if you see or hear something that's not right, and be an active bystander.

If you hear people make racist comments or someone touch a part of your body without consent, call them out. Be an individual who is aware that someone’s behaviour is inappropriate or threatening, and then actively challenges it. But only intervene when it is safe for you to do so. If it’s not safe, intervene later and get help. The golden rule is your safety comes first.

In an emergency:

• dial 999 off-campus
• dial +44 (0)117 32 89999 if you’re on campus.

If it’s not an emergency, contact our 24-hour Security Team on +44 (0)117 32 86404.

Challenge behaviours

You can challenge inappropriate behaviour in many ways:

• Direct: Let people know that their actions or language are unacceptable, explaining why it is not OK.
• Distract: Indirectly intervene. For example, interrupt, start a conversation with the person to allow their potential target to move away or have friends intervene.
• Delegate: If you spot a situation that worries you, find someone to help. This could be a more senior member of staff or someone in authority.
• Delay: Wait for the situation to pass and check in with the individual. Take action at a later stage when you have had time to consider. It is never too late to act. One way of intervening is to report it through Report and Support.

Our home is ever more important to us during lockdown, for most it will be a place of sanctuary but there will be some living in very difficult and perhaps unsafe situations. Domestic abuse support services are working through lockdown and help is available.

Find out more

Take action today, become a Speak Up ambassador and join the Speak Up students’ society. You will have the chance to engage with other students and make a real difference for your community and the wider society. For more information and how to join, please email edi@uwe.ac.uk.

You can get in touch with any questions or comments about Speak Up through speakupinfo@uwe.ac.uk. Please note that you can't report an incident this way.