Sexual misconduct relates to all unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, or sexual activity that breaches a relevant professional code or university policy. Sexual misconduct includes sexual harassment which is defined as ‘unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them’. Incidents of this type can be repeated or one off and can include online misconduct.
Examples of Sexual Misconduct can include:
- Displaying sexually graphic images
- Propositions and sexual advances
- Making promises in return for sexual favours
- Intrusive questions about a person’s sex life
- Unwelcome touching
- Sexual violence, assault or rape
- Engaging in a sexual relationship with a student under the age of 18 or with a student who has particular care and support needs
- Sexual activity in the workplace (whether consensual or not)
- ‘Revenge porn’ (sexual images/videos of a person shared without their consent)
- Pressuring someone to share sexual images of themselves (online or otherwise)
This list is not exhaustive. Some examples of sexual misconduct may also constitute a criminal offence.