Sexual harassment is prohibited under the Equality Act 2010 and by the University’s Dignity and Respect Policy.
The Equality Act 2010 defines sexual harassment as “unwanted conduct of a sexual nature which has the purpose or effect of violating someone’s dignity, or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them”. The effects of sexual harassment may be serious for the person making the allegation, and can result in a loss of confidence, stress, feelings of fear, shame, anxiety or vulnerability as well as have negative effects on both physical and mental health.
Sexual harassment can overlap with other forms of sexual misconduct, which are prohibited by the University and which may also constitute a criminal offence. Forms of sexual misconduct include, but are not limited to:
- Sexual intercourse or engaging in a sexual act without consent
- Attempting to engage in sexual intercourse or a sexual act without consent
- Making, taking and sharing private sexual materials of another person without consent
- Kissing without consent
- Touching inappropriately through clothes without consent
- Inappropriate showing sexual organs to another person
- Repeatedly following another person without good reason
- Making unwanted remarks of a sexual nature
- Other behavior which, if considered in the context of a criminal investigation, may constitute a sexual offence under law
In addition to the above, the University has published a separate Student Sexual Violence Policy, which is available here.