Wiltshire charity calls for people to speak out if they feel harassed
Harassment can happen both online and in person
A Wiltshire charity is encouraging people to raise concerns if they feel they're being harassed.
FearFree is calling on people to voice their worries off the back of the inquiry into the death of teenage soldier Jaysley Beck, who took her own life at Larkhill camp in December 2021.
The 19-year-old Royal Artillery Gunner had been subjected to thousands of messages from her boss in the weeks prior to her death.
Sexual Violence Advisor at FearFree, Dione Mitchell told us harassment is defined as 'any unwanted behaviour that makes you feel intimidated, threatened or uncomfortable'.
She said that harassment was once viewed as just an 'in-person' behaviour, but the increased online presence in society see's it take place there more than ever.
That can include cyber-bullying, trolling, spreading hateful messages or rumours or sharing private information without permission.
Dione said: "It's really important to remember it's about how you feel. If you feel it's harassment, then it is harassment, and that's a valid feeling to have. It might not be one big event, but a series of smaller actions that can make you feel unsafe or disrespected."
She added that it can leave people feeling isolated, especially when it's online, but Dione stressed it's vital for people to speak out.
"Sometimes it can feel like you're making it a bigger issue than what it actually is, especially when it comes to online specifically, but it's really important that you're putting your well-being in your safety as priority," Dione said.
She said it's crucial concerns are flagged early to ensure behaviours don't escalate, urging use to take screenshots if it's online or write down what has happened.
Dione told us there are some simple steps we can take to reporting it.
"There are several places you can go for help, whether it's a trusted colleague or a friend or HR. If it's happening in your workplace," she said, adding that FearFree is also here to listen and to help.
She insisted that the charity will be beside people throughout the process: "You can choose to take small steps like contacting someone you trust, or choose to make some more formal actions. The key thing is that you're in control of what happens here. When you're ready, we'll be here with you every single step of the way."