Sexual Misconduct

Being subjected to sexual misconduct 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 misconduct?

Sexual misconduct is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature. 

It’s prohibited in the university’s 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 misconduct

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 misconduct

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

  • Internal support [insert links]
  • External support [insert links]
  • Sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) offer medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused. SARCs have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers to care for you.

You can get help from a SARC by booking an appointment with your nearest one.

Find your nearest sexual assault referral centre (SARC)

Someone I know has experienced sexual misconduct

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.
  • Harassment linked to protected characteristics 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

  • Harassment related to identity often isn’t an isolated incident — it can be part of wider patterns of discrimination or marginalisation.
  • Acknowledge that their experience may be shaped by repeated exposure to prejudice or exclusion.
  • 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 for them to access support (see section on I have experienced 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 support 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 misconduct when safe

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

 Educate yourself

  • Take the responsibility to learn more about the forms of discrimination connected to their experience (e.g., racism, ableism, homophobia) so they don’t have to carry the burden of explaining everything to you. This is a great way to show someone you care about them. This allyship in action, and you can read more about allyship on our dedicated page [insert link].

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There are two ways you can tell us what happened

Share anonymously or Share with contact details