Sexual harassment is a form of unlawful discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.
Sexual harassment is unwanted conduct of a sexual nature which has the purpose or effect of violating someone’s dignity and creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or offensive environment for that individual.
An individual can experience unwanted behaviour from someone of the same or a different gender. You don’t need to have previously objected to someone's behaviour for it to be considered unwanted.
Sexual harassment can include:
Sexual harassment can include:
- Making sexual comments or jokes in a study or work environment
- Making sexually suggestive noises i.e. moaning in a study or work environment
- Unwelcome physical contact including intentionally brushing up against someone, touching, hugging, or kissing
- Following someone in a study or work environment with the intention of watching them or attempting to make contact with them
- Giving unwelcome personal gifts
- Making suggestive looks, staring or leering
- Wolf-whistling (a two-note sound made to show interest or approval of someone)
- Cat calling (a loud, sexually suggestive call or comment directed at someone publicly)
- Making unwelcome comments about a person’s body or clothing
- Making unwelcome comments about a person’s sexuality or sexual preferences
- Asking unwelcome questions about a person’s sex life or discussing own sex life
- Making unwelcome sexual propositions, invitations and flirting
- Sending e-mails or other messages with sexual content
- Displaying or sharing material of a sexual nature i.e. pictures, photos or posters
- Making offers of reward in return for sexual favours
- Making remarks that suggest sexual behaviour is required for professional or academic advancement
- Telling someone they have to tolerate unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature to be part of a team or group
A single incident or persistent behaviour can amount to sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment can happen to people of any gender identity or sexual orientation. It can be carried out by anyone of the same gender, a different gender or anyone of any gender identity.
Sexual harassment does not have to occur face to face. It can be in the form of emails, visual images, social media posts, phone conversations, texts, or other electronic messages.