- The University's approach to sexual violence and harassment
- What is sexual misconduct?
- What is sexual assault?
- What is sexual harassment?
- Mandatory training: Harassment and Sexual Misconduct
The University's approach to sexual violence and harassment
Sexual violence and harassment include a wide range of behaviours and may be linked to other forms of gender-based violence, including:
- Domestic abuse
- Intimate partner violence
- Coercive or controlling behaviour
- Stalking
The University recognises that sexual violence and harassment can affect anyone, regardless of their identity.
The University is committed to a zero-tolerance approach to sexual misconduct, harassment and sexual violence. Any reported incidents will be addressed appropriately to help maintain a safe environment for students, staff and visitors.
For further information, see UPR EQ10 Appendix III: Sexual Violence and Harassment.
What is sexual misconduct?
Sexual misconduct is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature and is a form of harassment.
It can include:
- Sexual harassment
- Sexual violence
- Sexual assault
- Intimate partner violence
- Grooming
- Sexual coercion
- Bullying with sexual elements
- Sexual demands or invitations
- Sexual comments
- Unwanted non-verbal communication
- Creating an atmosphere of discomfort
- Offering opportunities, resources or advancement in exchange for sexual activity
Sexual misconduct often involves issues relating to power, consent and unequal relationships. Such behaviour can affect a person's ability to access education, opportunities and career progression.
What is sexual assault?
Sexual assault occurs when a person intentionally touches another person in a sexual way without their consent.
Sexual assault includes unwanted physical contact of a sexual nature and can range from:
- Unwanted touching
- Pinching
- Embracing
- Groping
- Kissing
to more serious offences, including rape and sexual assault involving penetration without consent.
What is consent?
Consent means agreeing by choice and having both the freedom and capacity to make that choice.
Freedom to choose
A person is free to choose when there would be no negative consequences for saying no.
Capacity to choose
Capacity refers to whether a person is physically and/or mentally able to make a choice and understand the consequences of that choice
What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature that creates, or has the effect of creating, an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.
Sexual harassment can be obvious or more subtle. Sometimes the impact may not be recognised immediately by the person responsible or by the person experiencing it.
Sexual harassment can affect not only the person directly involved but also others who witness the behaviour or provide support.
Examples may include:
- Catcalling
- Following someone
- Unwanted physical contact
- Sexual jokes or comments
- Unwanted personal gifts
- Wolf-whistling
- Leering
- Derogatory comments
- Unwanted comments about a person's body or clothing
- Unwanted questions about someone's sex life or sexuality
- Unwanted sexual advances, invitations or propositions
- Sharing or displaying sexual material that makes someone uncomfortable
Sexual harassment can occur in person or online, including through:
- Social media
- Text messages
- Telephone calls
- Images or videos
- Image-based sexual abuse, including sharing intimate images without consent
- Upskirting
Some of the behaviours listed above may constitute criminal offences and are contrary to UPR EQ10 Appendix III: Sexual Violence and Harassment.
Mandatory training: Harassment and Sexual Misconduct
The University requires students to complete mandatory Harassment and Sexual Misconduct training.
This training supports the University's zero-tolerance approach to harassment, sexual misconduct and sexual violence. It helps students understand:
- Consent
- Respectful behaviour
- How to intervene safely
- How to access support
Students can access the training through the Programme Information Unit on their Canvas programme site.
Completion of the training forms part of University enrolment and progression requirements.
For more information, see Mandatory Training: Harassment and Sexual Misconduct.