Sexual misconduct
Sexual misconduct is a term used by the University to describe unacceptable behaviour of a sexual nature. It can include, but is not limited to:
- sexual harassment, violence or assault
- grooming, coercion or bullying with sexual elements
- sexual invitations and demands
- comments or non-verbal communication
- creation of atmospheres of discomfort
- promised resources or advancement in exchange for sexual access.
The term ‘sexual harassment’ captures only some of the possible abuses of power that may occur. Sexual misconduct more specifically raises issues of unequal relationships, consent, and the prevention of equal access to education, opportunities and career progression.
Sexual misconduct is also used to describe any sexual activity or act that happened without your consent. It could include, but is not limited to:
- kissing
- attempted rape
- touching someone’s breasts or genitals – including through clothing
- touching any part of the body for sexual pleasure or in a sexual manner – for example, stroking someone’s thigh or rubbing their back
- pressing up against another person for sexual pleasure
- pressuring, manipulating or scaring someone into performing a sexual act on the perpetrator
- touching someone’s clothing if done for sexual pleasure or in a sexual manner – for example, lifting up someone’s skirt
Rape happens when someone didn't want to have sex or didn't give their consent for sex to happen.
Sexual harassment
Sexual Harassment is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature which:
- violates your dignity
- makes you feel intimidated, degraded or humiliated
- creates a hostile or offensive environment
You don’t need to have previously objected to someone's behaviour for it to be considered unwanted. This unwanted sexual conduct can happen in person, by phone, by text, on email, or online.
Both the perpetrator and the victim/survivor can be of any gender. It is the person receiving the sexual behaviour who decides if it is unwanted not the other ways around.
Sexual harassment can include, but is not limited to:
- sexual comments or noises – for example, catcalling or wolf-whistling
- sexual gestures, leering, staring or suggestive looks
- sexual ‘jokes’, innuendos or suggestive comments
- unwanted sexual advances or flirting, or sexual requests
- emails or texts with sexual content, sexual posts or contact on social media
- intrusive questions about a person’s private or sex life
- commenting on someone's body, appearance or what they’re wearing
- unwanted physical contact of a sexual nature e.g. brushing up against someone or hugging, kissing or massaging them