Gender Based Violence: Support, Safety and Information
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A gentle note before you continue
This page contains sensitive information about gender-based violence (GBV). You are in control of what you read and when you read it. If you want support without reading further, you can go straight to our Support Options. A quick-exit button is available at the top of the page if you need to leave quickly.
If you need immediate help?
Off-campus Emergencies: Call 999 if you or someone else is in danger.
On Campus: Go straight to Student Information and Welfare for immediate support.
Opening hours: Monday - Friday 08:45 to 16:45. Our team will listen without judgement.
What GBV means?
Gender-based violence or GBV, refers to any behaviour aimed at harming, pressuring, controlling, or intimidating someone because of their gender, gender identity, or perceived gender. It can include emotional, psychological, physical, and sexual harm, as well as harassment and coercive behaviour. GBV can affect anyone and can occur in any relationship or setting.
Examples of GBV
- Domestic abuse: Patterns of controllingor harmful behaviour from a partner or ex-partner, such as threats, emotional harm, or physical harm.
- Sexual violence: Any sexual activity someone did not, or could not, consent to. This may involve pressure, manipulation, or force.
- Sexual harassment: Unwanted comments, messages, or behaviours of a sexual nature that make someone feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
- Stalking: Repeated or unwanted attention, in person or online, that causes fear or distress.
- Commercial sexual exploitation: Situations where someone is exploited for another person’s financial gain.
- Trafficking for sexual exploitation: When someone is manipulated, deceived, or forced into situations for sexual exploitation.
- Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Any harmful, non‑medical practice that injures or alters female genitalia. It is illegal in the UK.
- Forced marriage: When someone is pressured or harmed to make them marry without freely choosing to do so.
- 'Honour-based' abuse: Harm carried out in the name of protecting perceived family or community reputation.
- In-law abuse: Abuse carried out by a partner’s family members, including control or coercion.
- Other forms of harm: Physical violence, emotional or psychological abuse (e.g. threats, criticism, manipulation); financial abuse (restricting access to money or resources).
GBV can have lasting effects, including emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Recognising harmful behaviour helps us create a safer, more respectful college community.
Our Commitment
At Glasgow Clyde College, everyone has the right to study and work without fear of GBV, abuse, or harassment. We understand that anyone can experience GBV. We respond to all disclosures with compassion, consistency, and care, and we do not tolerate any form of GBV in our community.
Our Response to GBV
When someone makes a disclosure, we listen with empathy and support you at your pace. Depending on your needs, we may be able to offer:
- Time away from classes or work for appointments (support services, legal matters, childcare, medical care, court).
- Adjustments to timetable, attendance, or workload.
- Help accessing financial support (bursaries or discretionary funds).
- Access to counselling and wellbeing services.
- Support to protect personal information (addresses, bank details, healthcare info).
- Security measures on campus, including alerting reception/security if needed.
- Documentation of threatening or harmful incidents connected to the college.
This list is flexible and we will work with you to identify what you need.
Important Reassurances
- You will not be disciplined for underage drinking or drug use disclosed as part of reporting GBV, except where serious fitness‑to‑study concerns apply.
- You will never be asked irrelevant questions about your sexual history, identity, or expression.
- Your information will be kept confidential and only shared with those essential to supporting your case — and you will be told who they are and why.
- Glasgow Clyde College does not use non‑disclosure agreements in GBV cases.
Reporting a Concern to the College
You can report concerns or incidents through our Report + Support Tool. You can choose:
- Report anonymously if you prefer not to share your identity.
- Report with contact details if you want to receive follow‑up support and updates on next steps.
You can also read the College’s GBV Policy and Guidelines for further information.
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In‑person Support
If you are on campus and not in immediate danger:
- Students: Visit Student Information & Welfare to speak with a Safeguarding Officer or Student Adviser.
- Staff: Contact a colleague or an HR Adviser.
If you have been reported or accused
Being told that you have been accused of bullying, harassment, or sexual misconduct can feel distressing. Everyone involved will be treated fairly and with dignity. You have the right to:
- Be informed and kept updated about the process.
- Be treated fairly, with respect and dignity.
- Be told about the nature of the concern or allegation.
- Share your perspective and any information you feel is relevant.
- Have decisions made impartially by an unbiased person.
- Support is available to help you understand the process and what happens next.
Further Information and Resources
External support organisations (phone, online chat, local services):
Take a look at external support and information resources
Equally Safe in Colleges and Universities
Commitment Through Collaboration
Glasgow Clyde College works alongside partners to prevent, challenge, and respond to GBV as part of our ongoing commitment to a safe, respectful community.