You're not alone – our harassment contact persons are here to help

Student life should be safe and equal for everyone. Unfortunately, harassment and unfair treatment can sometimes occur, but you don’t have to stay alone in these situations. The Student Union’s harassment contact persons are here for you. 

What is a harassment contact person?

The harassment contact persons are confidential support persons appointed by the Student Union. Their task is to offer help and advice concerning harassment situations. They don’t make official decisions or start any processes without your consent. Their role is to listen, offer support, and help you figure out how you want to move forward. VYY’s harassment contact persons are Elli Uusi-Kokko and Lauri Tuohiniemi. 

When can you contact them? 

You can contact our harassment contact person if you have experienced or witnessed, for example

• Sexual or gender-specific harassment
• Discrimination or unfair treatment
• ​Bullying or other inappropriate behavior in the university community

Harassment can mean inappropriate comments, physical or verbal harassment, unfair treatment, or any other action that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. We can also mediate disagreements between friend groups or board members.

How do you contact them? 

You can contact our harassment contact persons with a low threshold. Messages, e-mails, and meetings are completely confidential. You can decide how you want to move forward, and your matters will not be discussed further without your consent. 

You can also report harassment via our electronic form. On the form, you can also notify us of general observations about equality. Please note that we cannot take further action based on anonymous reports. Our harassment contact persons will read the anonymous submissions.

If you want your situation handled, please leave your contact information or be in touch via e-mail.

What happens in a meeting?

Possible mediations are done restoratively. This restorative approach emphasizes coming together, open conversation, and cooperation to create a positive process. The goal is to advance understanding between the involved parties while respecting them as the experts in their own conflict. The basic principle is to handle the act in a way that gives the parties the opportunity to actively participate in finding a solution. The goal of this approach is to mend the broken relationship and prevent similar situations from occuring. You can read more about restorative mediation on the VERSO program’s website.

Why should you be in touch? 

Every student has the right to a safe study environment. Intervening in harassment is important for the wellbeing of the individual and our community. The harassment contact person will never judge or downplay your experience. Our job is to support you. 

Be in touch when something is on your mind – you’re not alone!

You can find more information on our harassment contact persons on our website.