Law and Respect for Personal Boundaries: Kozybayev University Discusses Countering Bullying, Harassment and Stalking

Personal safety, respect for human dignity, and protection from psychological pressure were the main topics discussed at a meeting between Kozybayev University students and representatives of the Department of Police and the legal community.

The event was organized as part of the “Law and Order” ideology. At the beginning of the meeting, Adilkhan Tolepbergen, Member of the Executive Board for Social and Cultural Development, welcomed the participants. He noted that the university pays close attention to preventing bullying, harassment and stalking, including in the digital environment.

The participants discussed common forms of violations of personal boundaries, legal mechanisms for protecting victims, and liability for unlawful actions.

Denis Denisov, Police Lieutenant Colonel and Head of the Department of the Public Safety Directorate of the North Kazakhstan Region Police Department, spoke about the penalties provided for violations of the law in this area.

He noted that 17 cases of stalking have been identified in the North Kazakhstan Region. The Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan contains an article establishing liability for stalking, meaning the unlawful pursuit of a person against their will. This may include persistent calls and messages, surveillance, repeated attempts to establish contact, waiting for a person near their home or place of study, as well as other actions aimed at invading their personal space.

Pavel Afanasyev, Senior Lecturer at the Department of History of Kazakhstan and Law, provided a more detailed explanation of the concepts of stalking, bullying and harassment.

The speakers also emphasized to students that such actions cannot be justified as jokes, personal affection or merely differences in communication styles. At the same time, the legal assessment of each case depends on its specific circumstances and the applicable legislation.

Specialists from the university’s Psychological Service spoke about the support available within the university. They explained where and whom students can contact if they have experienced bullying, stalking or psychological pressure themselves, or have witnessed similar situations.

Students were reminded that they should not keep the problem to themselves or try to deal with it alone. Seeking psychological and legal support in a timely manner can help them receive the necessary assistance and prevent the further escalation of a conflict situation.

Such events are aimed at fostering a culture of mutual respect, legal awareness, and zero tolerance for any form of violence or discrimination within the university community. After all, a safe educational environment begins not only with compliance with the law, but also with each individual’s personal responsibility for their words and actions.