Harassment

Harassment is any form of unwanted and unwelcome behaviour, which may range from mildly unpleasant remarks to physical violence.

The Protection from Harassment Act states that a person must not pursue another when they know it amounts to harassment.

Racial Harassment

If a person is harassed due to their skin colour, race or cultural background then you are also protected by the Race Relations Act.

Racist attacks and violence are serious criminal offences and must be reported to the police. Racially Aggravated Offences carry higher penalties than offences with other motivation. It is also against the law to use threatening, abusive or insulting language or behaviour in order to stir up racial hatred.

Sexual Harassment

This is when someone receives unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature.

The Sex Discrimination Act makes it illegal for an employer to treat a woman less favourably than a man (or vice versa). You can only take a claim of sexual harassment to court if the sexual harassment you are complaining of took place in work or at a work related function.

Bullying

Although different to harassment, bullying is also covered by the Protection from Harassment Act as bullying can be regarded as a form of harassment.

Whilst at school pupils have the right to be educated in an atmosphere which is free from fear. If you're being bullied, it's best to tell a friend, peer, family member or even the police. More advice on bullying can be found on established websites such as Bullying Online (www.bullying.co.uk).

At present, if you're being bullied and are white, British, able bodied and the same gender as the bully you are not currently covered by discrimination laws - but you should still seek help to stop it happening.