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What is Sexual Misconduct?

If you have been affected by Sexual Misconduct, you can let us know using the You Report We Support form.

What is Sexual Misconduct?
 

Sexual misconduct is a form of harassment and is unacceptable behaviour of a sexual nature. It can include but may not be limited to:

  • sexual harassment
  • sexual violence
  • intimate partner violence
  • sexual assault
  • grooming
  • coercion or bullying with sexual elements
  • sexual invitations and demands
  • sexual comments
  • sexual non-verbal communication
  • creation of atmospheres of discomfort
  • promised resources or advancement in exchange for sexual access 

Offensive acts and behaviours of sexual misconduct that may result in disciplinary action include: 

    • sexual intercourse or engaging in a sexual act without consent 
    • attempting to engage in sexual intercourse or engaging in a sexual act without consent 
    • sharing private sexual materials of another person without consent 
    • kissing without consent 
    • touching inappropriately through clothes without consent 
    • inappropriately showing sexual organs to another person 
    • repeatedly following another person without good reason 
    • making unwanted remarks of a sexual nature 

An individual can experience sexual harassment from someone of the same or different gender identity or sexual orientation and the recipient of the behaviour decides whether or not it is unwanted. 

ACAS guidance states that sexual harassment can be a one-off event and does not need to be directed at a person. It can be witnessed or overheard. Sexual conduct that has been welcomed in the past can become unwanted. 

Sexual violence

A non-legal term used as an umbrella term to refer to and include the different sexual offences of rape, sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault. These are part of the criminal law and are found in the Sexual Offences Act 2003. 

 
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. 

Online Sexual Misconduct is equally as serious as face-to-face or physical Sexual Misconduct. 

More Information

What is sexual violence?- Rape Crisis England and Wales
What is sexual harassment?- ACAS
What is rape and sexual assault?- Metropolitan Police
 
 

> I have been affected by sexual misconduct

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