Our Sexual Misconduct and Relationship Abuse Policy makes clear that we do not tolerate sexual misconduct, violence or abuse (Principle 3).
We want to support anyone, both students and staff, who have experienced such behaviours as we recognise the personal and emotional impact such incidents can have, and how difficult these experiences can be.
What is Sexual Misconduct?
Sexual Misconduct covers a broad range of inappropriate and unwanted behaviours of a sexual nature. It covers all forms of sexual violence, including:
- penetration without consent,
- sexual abuse (including online and image-based abuse),
- non-consensual sexual touching,
- sexual harassment (unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature which violates your dignity; makes you feel intimidated, degraded or humiliated or creates a hostile or offensive environment),
- stalking,
- abusive or degrading remarks of a sexual nature,
- and a vast range of other behaviours.
If you have an experience which is not covered by these definitions, or you are unsure of the nature of your experience, we can support you. Please do not let limited definitions prevent you from seeking support.
All of these behaviours are equally unacceptable. If this happens to you, it’s important to remember it is not your fault.
Examples of Sexual Misconduct
Listed below are a few, but not an exhaustive list of examples of Sexual Misconduct. If your experience is not on the list, but it has made you feel uncomfortable, we can still support you.
- Sexually suggestive comments, for example remarking on your body or appearance, or name calling.
- Sexual jokes that make you feel uncomfortable, offended or intimidated,
- Leering’ or unwanted and inappropriate sexual propositions, whether in person, or online.
- If someone intentionally grabs or touches you in a sexual way that you don't like, or you’re forced to kiss someone or do something else sexual against your will;
- this includes sexual touching of any part of someone’s body, and it makes no difference whether you’re wearing clothes or not.
- If someone forces you to have penetrative sex, or has sex with you without your consent or agreement, that’s rape. Rape includes penetration with the penis of the vagina, anus or mouth without consent.
- If someone sexually assaults you by penetrating you with another part of their body or another object, this is classed as ‘assault by penetration.'