If you think someone you know has been the subject of discrimination, there are lots of ways in which you can help them.
Most people will be able to describe what has or is happening to them and how it's making them feel. Understanding the behaviours associated with discrimination is important.
Just taking the time to listen to someone and talk about what has happened can help.
Listen and believe
- Listen. If someone discloses an experience of harassment, misconduct or assault to you, listening to what they tell with no judgment, but with compassion and empathy can be incredibly helpful. Just taking the time to listen to someone and talk about what has happened can help.
- Believe. Rather than asking questions, just let them know you believe them and will support them as best as you can. Try not to skip ahead to what to do practically without first validating what you have heard and listening to what they have to say.
- Reassure. Remind them that no one, regardless of relationship or status, has the right to hurt them and that no matter what, it is not their fault that this occurred.
- Give options. Somebody who has experienced sexual assault or rape may feel they have had power and control taken away from them. This means the most important thing is to respond in a way that increases their choice over what happens next. You can simply ask them what they need or want. They might not make the same decision you would; however, only they can decide what is best for them. You can help them explore options but avoid telling them what they should do.
Signpost to University support
There is lots of support available at ARU. We have resources and people ready to help you so please reach out to our wellbeing support teams, and remember that you're not alone.
For student wellbeing support options visit our website.
For staff wellbeing support options visit The Heron.
Campus security and SafeZone app
Your safety is our priority. We're committed to making a secure and supportive environment for everyone. If you ever feel unsafe or need urgent help on campus, contact our Safety and Security teams as soon as possible.
The SafeZone personal safety app is free to download and use, and is the quickest way to get emergency help on campus.
Visit aru.ac.uk/keepsafe
Signpost to Specialist Services
Equality Advisory & Support Service is a Helpline that advises and assists individuals on issues relating to equality and human rights across England, Scotland and Wales.
- Citizen Advice Bureau provide free, confidential and independent advice on a range of issues including discrimination.
- Victim Support. If you report a crime to the police, they should automatically ask you if you would like help from an organisation like Victim Support. But anyone affected by crime can contact them directly, you don’t need to talk to the police to get Victim Support help.
- Stop Hate UK is one of the leading national organisations working to challenge all forms of Hate Crime and discrimination based on any aspect of an individual’s identity. Stop Hate UK provides independent, confidential and accessible reporting and support for victims, witnesses and third parties.
- Disability Equality NW runs the Developing from the Negatives Project (DFN), which aims to raise awareness of Disability Hate Crime and encourage reporting.
- Tell MAMA supports victims of anti-Muslim hate and is a public service which also measures and monitors anti-Muslim incidents.
- Community Security Trust (CS) helps those who are victims of anti-Semitic hatred, harassment or bias.
Reporting options
It's important to respect any reporting decision, including a decision not to report at all. There are many reasons why someone may choose not to report, only they can decide what is best for them. choose
University
If the perpetrator is a member of the ARU community, your friend or loved one will have the option of submitting a formal report. The first step is for them to consider the 'Report with contact details' option. An advisor can provide your friend or loved one with advice and support on what options are available to make an informed decision. but with
Police
Some forms of discrimination also break criminal law, in which case the person in question can choose to report it to the police.
In an emergency or if you are in immediate danger, you should dial 999. Otherwise, you can call 101, report online or visit your local police station to report a crime.
Reporting is a big decision, and all of the support services can support you with this, if your friend or loved one decides to make a police report.