Online abuse is any type of abuse that happens on the internet, for example through social media, or mobile phones, and covers a wide range of behaviours and technologies.
It is important to note that online Sexual Misconduct is taken equally as seriously as offline Sexual Misconduct.
It is important to note that online Sexual Misconduct is taken equally as seriously as offline Sexual Misconduct.
Understanding and communicating consent and respect in an online world can be difficult, more difficult than face-to-face.
If someone attacks, harasses or threatens you online, it’s not your fault.
Whether your experience was recent or a long time ago, there is support available and you are not alone.
It’s never your fault.
It is key therefore, to understand what behaviours constitute online Sexual Misconduct. All of the examples listed below, are against the University of Warwick’s Sexual Misconduct and Relationship Abuse Policy and some are against the law.
Examples of Online Sexual Misconduct
Non-consensual sharing of intimate images and videos: A person’s sexual images and videos being shared without their consent or taken without their consent.
- For instance: sexual images/videos taken consensually but shared without consent (‘revenge porn’).
Exploitation, coercion and threats: A person receiving sexual threats, being coerced to participate in sexual behaviour online, or blackmailed with sexual content.
- For instance: harassing or pressuring someone online to share sexual images of themselves or engage in sexual behaviour online (or offline) e.g. sending nudes.
Sexualised bullying: A person being targeted by, and systematically excluded from, a group or community with the use of sexual content that humiliates, upsets or discriminates against them.
- For instance: gossip, rumours or lies about sexual behaviour posted online either naming someone directly or indirectly alluding to someone.
- ‘Outing’ someone where the individual’s sexuality or gender identity is publicly announced online without their consent.
Unwanted sexualisation: A person receiving unwelcome sexual requests, comments and content. Sexualised comments (e.g. on photos).
- For instance: sending someone sexual content (images, emojis, messages) without them consenting.
- ‘Jokes’ of a sexual nature.
- Rating peers on attractiveness/sexual activity.
Cyber-stalking.
Stalking can also happen online where persistent and unwanted attention is received which makes you feel harassed. The problem doesn't always to be 'physical' and receiving threats online via social media or the internet can equally be as intimidating.
If you think you may have been affected by cyber-stalking, now or in the past, there is help and support available to explore this further. Keeping a diary of events and copies of messages, emails, any unwanted social media activity is always a good start however, whether this is reported to the Police via 101 or 999, or to the University as a breach of the Sexual Misconduct and Relationship Abuse Policy, support can be provided to gather relevant material to assist you in reporting the matter- if this is what you choose to do.
Further information can be found here:
Alice Ruggles Trust | Putting an end to stalking
National Stalking Helpline | Suzy Lamplugh Trust
Stalking and harassment | Warwickshire Police