Sexual harassment is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature, which is intended to or has the effect of:
- violating your dignity
- making you feel intimidated, degraded or humiliated
- creating a hostile or offensive environment.
You don’t have to have previously objected to someone’s behaviour for it to be considered unwanted.
Sexual harassment can include:
- sexual comments or jokes
- physical behaviour, including unwelcome sexual advances, touching and various forms of sexual assault
- displaying pictures, photos or drawings of a sexual nature, including on social media
- sending emails with a sexual content
- promises in return for sexual favour.
'Lad culture’ and ‘banter’ which is sexist, misogynist and homophobic are regarded as harassment.
Sexual harassment is not tolerated at UWE Bristol and is contrary to the Equality Act 2010. It is included in the University Policy on Bullying and Harassment for students.