Gender-Based and Sexual Violence Support
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Gender-based violence (GBV) is abusive behaviour directed at someone because of their gender. It is a result of deep-rooted gender inequalities and perceived gender roles within society. We use the term Gender-Based Violence to describe different types of harm, abuse, and harassment. This includes:
- Unwanted sexual comments.
- Coercive behaviours.
- Unwelcome sexual invitations, innuendos, and offensive gestures.
- Wolf whistling, catcalling, or making offensive sexual noises.
- Stalking - including on digital platforms.
- Unwanted touching.
- Intimate image sharing.
- Groping, pinching, or smacking someone’s body.
- Lifting, tugging, removing, or changing someone's clothing without permission.
- Exposing sexual organs to someone without their consent.
- Unwanted sexual behaviour on any digital platform.
- Honour-based violence.
- Forced Marriages.
- Female genital mutilation.
Along with UHI, HISA is committed to supporting any student who is a victim/survivor of GBV, regardless of their gender, sex, or sexual orientation.
The Advice Service genuinely cares about students and is dedicated to providing you a compassionate and understanding space. The service is here to support you and connect you with valuable resources. The service is ready to listen and be a friendly face you can rely on. Whether you need help reaching out to the University, the police, or another support organisation, or you want to talk about how your experience affects your studies, we are here for you.
Your privacy is important to us, and we are committed to keeping your information confidential. You can trust that we will believe what you share with us. We will only discuss your situation with others if you give us explicit consent or if we’re concerned about your safety or that of someone else. If you’d like to know more about our commitment to confidentiality, please take a look at our terms of service. You are not alone, and we are here to help.
UHI Support
UHI has trained a group of First Responders to help survivors of gender-based and sexual violence. You can reach any of the First Responders using the UHI Online Disclosure Tool (link below). Your information will remain confidential unless there is a serious risk of harm to you or others.
Useful Resources
UHI Online Disclosure Tool
Police Scotland - Anonymous Form to Report Sexual Harassment
Support from Specialist Services
Learn about Gender-Based Violence - UHI Tool