Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment can make you feel many things, such as anxious, angry, confused, depressed and may lead to other problems, such as difficulty sleeping. There’s no right or wrong way to feel, and you can do something about it. 

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature. 

It’s prohibited in our organisational policies and against the law under the Equality Act 2010.

To be considered sexual harassment, the unwanted behaviour must have either:

  • violated someone's dignity
  • created an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for someone

It can be sexual harassment if the behaviour:

  • has one of these effects even if it was not intended
  • intended to have one of these effects even if it did not have that effect

Examples of sexual harassment

Sexual harassment can include but is not limited to: catcalling, following, making unnecessary and unwanted physical contact, sexual jokes and comments, giving unwelcome personal gifts, wolf-whistling, leering, unwelcome comments about a person’s body or clothing, unwelcome questions about a person’s sex life and/or sexuality, engaging in unwelcome sexual propositions, invitations and flirtation, making somebody feel uncomfortable through displaying or sharing sexual material. 

Sexual harassment does not necessarily occur face to face and can be in the form of emails, visual images (such as sexually explicit pictures on walls in a shared environment), social media, telephone, text messages and image-based sexual abuse, such as revenge porn and upskirting. 

I have been subjected to sexual harassment

Your safety and wellbeing

  • Are you in danger? If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured, you can contact the emergency services on 999.
  • Find a safe space. If you feel unsafe, find a trusted person or safe space immediately.
  • Seek support. Consider whether you need medical support or emotional support (e.g., from a friend, family member, or a professional). Further information about support services [insert link] 

Document what happened

  • Write down what happened as soon as you can, including dates, times, places, and any witnesses.
  • Keep any evidence (e.g., messages, emails, photos).
  • This is helpful whether or not you decide to report it.

Consider reporting and seeking a resolution

  • Report + Support. Students, staff and visitors can share the details of an incident [Insert link] using the University’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can request support from an advisor. If you choose to talk to an advisor, they will be able to talk through the options and support available to you, in confidence.
  • University procedures and resolution. If you choose to make a report to the University about a student or member of staff there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow and the possible resolutions available to you. Further information about procedures and resolution options. [insert link].
  • Share anonymously. You can choose to share anonymously, meaning no identifying information has to be shared. This option also includes the ability to opt into continued communication with a case worker. Further information about anonymous reporting [insert link]. 
  • Share with contact details. You can choose to share your experience and give your contact details so that you get a direct response. You can choose who your report goes to [insert link]. 

Take your time

  • You don’t have to make decisions straight away. It’s okay to take the time you need to think about what’s right for you. 
  • Take the time to read and understand what your options are.
  • Request to speak to an advisor through Report + Support and discuss your options. 

Where to get support

ACAS helpline 0300 123 1100. You do not have to give any personal details. 

They can talk through:

  • any work-related problem or question you have
  • what the law says and how it relates to you
  • good practice at work
  • your options, including any risks and benefits

(Sexual Assault Referral Centre): Urgent advice/appointments [Insert information about local services to your organisation]

Revenge Porn Helpline: 10.00am-4.00pm, Monday to Friday - 0345 600 0459 

National domestic violence helpline: 0808 2000 247 (run by Refuge - https://www.refuge.org.uk/ and Women’s Aid - https://www.womensaid.org.uk/) – can give anonymous advice/information and provide access to refuge space and support services in other areas of London.

Respect – Men’s Advice Line: Helpline for male victims of domestic violence: 0808 801 0327 http://www.mensadviceline.org.uk/

GALOP: Specialist LGBTQI+ support for hate crime, sexual violence or domestic abuse: https://www.galop.org.uk/

Visit our support pages for more support options available to you.

Someone I know has been subjected to sexual harassment 

Listen without judgement or interruption

  • Let them lead the conversation — focus on what they want to share.
  • Avoid asking “why” questions that could sound like blame.
  • Use phrases like:
    • “Thank you for telling me.”
    • “That shouldn’t have happened to you.”
    • “I’m here for you.”

Believe them

  • One of the most powerful things you can do is believe them.
  • Sexual harassment is often minimised or dismissed by others; don’t contribute to that.
  • Avoid playing down what happened or making excuses for the perpetrator.

Understand the Context

  • Sexual harassment is a misuse of personal or institutional power, and while it is often based on a person’s gender, it is rarely about sexual desire. 
  • Acknowledge that their experience may be shaped by previous experience of sexual harassment.
  • Research shows that sexual harassment is experienced more by women and trans people and perpetrated more by men, but it’s important to know that it can happy by and to anyone of any gender.  
  • You don’t have to fully “understand” their experience — just accept that it’s real and valid.

Offer practical help and options

  • Ask what they would like from you:
    • “Would you like help reporting this?”
    • “Do you want me to come with you to speak to someone?”
    • “Would you like me to just sit with you while you decide?”
  • Help them explore their options, but don’t pressure them to take any particular action.
  • Research options available to them (see section on I have been subjected to sexual harassment or other pages on this site).

 Respect their decisions

  • Whether they choose to report or not, that’s their choice.
  • If they don’t feel safe or ready to report, respect that decision.

Look after yourself too

  • Supporting someone through a difficult experience can also take an emotional toll on you. It’s okay to seek help yourself (without breaking their confidentiality).
  • Know your limits of how much you can support someone and what is too much for you to offer.

 Challenge sexual harassment when safe

  • If you witness sexual harassment in the future and feel it’s safe to do so, speak up or challenge it.
  • Learn more about bystander interventions.

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There are two ways you can tell us what happened

Share anonymously or Share with contact details