Reporting Bullying or Harassment
DCU is committed to promoting a university culture that recognises and respects individual differences and that rejects harassment and bullying as destructive behaviour. DCU welcomes reports related to dignity and respect and is committed to working with individuals to resolve issues that arise in this area.
Dealing with experiences of bullying, harassment, or discrimination can be stressful and upsetting. Support is available for staff and students who may be experiencing these behaviours.
What is bullying and harassment?
DCU has clear and specific definitions of these behaviours. The definitions help all parties to better understand problem behaviour and to identify when behaviour is inappropriate.
Bullying is repeated aggression or inappropriate behaviour, direct or indirect whether verbal, psychological, physical or otherwise – that is conducted by one or more persons against another or others, which could reasonably be regarded as undermining the individual’s right to dignity and respect. You can read more about this definition in the Polices Explained section.
Harassment is any act or conduct (including spoken words, gestures, or the production, display or circulation of written words, pictures or other material), if the action or conduct is unwelcome to the recipient and could reasonably be regarded, in relation to the relevant characteristic of the recipient, as offensive, humiliating, or intimidating. Harassment may consist of a single incident, or repeated inappropriate behaviour. This includes any form of unwanted conduct related to any of the nine grounds of prohibited discrimination. You can read more about this in the Polices Explained section.
How can I report bullying or harassment at DCU?
DCU outlines reporting options under three main headings. For issues related to bullying and harassment, the University encourages all parties to engage in early resolution processes where possible and appropriate.
Full details of these options can also be explored in the Policies Explained Section.
Contact and Feedback
If you would like to have a confidential conversation about reporting options related to bullying and harassment, please contact the DCU Dignity, Respect and Sexual Misconduct Response (DRSMR) Manager, Lorna.Greene@dcu.ie. Speaking with the DRSMR Manager does not constitute a formal report and will be treated with the strictest confidence.
DCU is committed to ensuring that reporting processes are as accessible, fair and trauma-aware as possible. If you have any questions about any element of the reporting process or if you have any feedback you wish to share, please contact the DCU DRSMR Manager, Lorna.Greene@dcu.ie