#Barristers can access #Bar Council support including Talk to Spot & be an active bystander. @thebarcouncil

Christmas party season can sometimes be an ordeal of sexual innuendo, inappropriate advances, groping & harassment.

Barristers can access Bar Council support including Talk to Spot & be an active bystander. Find out more –

The Bar Council marked Anti-Bullying Week (14-18 November) by promoting the various resources and support we have on offer to the profession and, as we head into Christmas party season in December, we are mindful that this time of celebration with colleagues can sometimes become an ordeal of sexual innuendo, inappropriate advances, groping and harassment.

In these types of instances, supporting a colleague who has endured an awful and traumatic experience remains vitally important. Taking action against the perpetrators is also crucial – it does make a difference, and we are here to help.

Reporting unacceptable and inappropriate behaviour to the Bar Council demonstrates that you do not tolerate or condone it, and enables us to focus in on the most problematic areas, collate the evidence (often anonymously) and ascertain the key patterns and trends.

We offer practical support, guidance, a confidential helpline and an online reporting tool called Talk to Spot. We have lots of experience of dealing with complaints and always respond with sympathy and respect. Our policy and campaign work is grounded in the evidence and information that is provided to us by the profession.

Individuals who are targeted often don’t report the abuse because of the status of the perpetrator, for fear of repercussions and incidents being endemic. We also know that younger barristers are disproportionately affected by bullying and sexual harassment, and that is why we want the Young Bar to help us to develop and implement solutions.

But this is everyone’s problem. From senior leaders to incoming pupils, we all need to take ownership. We regularly organise training sessions and our next online event takes place on Tuesday 28 February from 9.00 to 11.00. This training is designed to raise awareness of harassment, bullying and inappropriate behaviour using a series of practical case studies drawn from experience across the profession. It also includes a summary of legal and regulatory duties relating to sexual harassment.

Read more https://www.counselmagazine.co.uk/articles/collective-action-on-anti-bullying