Sexual harassment is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature. It can:
- Violates your dignity
- Make you feel intimidated, degraded or humiliated
- Create a hostile or offensive environment.
You don’t need to have objected to the behaviour before for it to be considered harassment. It is the impact that matters, not whether the harasser intended it.
Examples of sexual harassment
Sexual harassment can happen in person and online. It may be a single incident or a pattern of behaviour. Examples include:
- Sexual comments, jokes, or gestures.
- Unwanted sexual advances or touching.
- Repeatedly asking for sexual favours or pressuring someone into sexual activity.
- Staring, leering, or following someone in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable.
- Sharing or displaying sexual images, messages, or content without consent.
- Spreading sexual rumours or making derogatory remarks about someone’s body, gender, or sexuality.
Who does it affect?
Sexual harassment can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, sexuality, faith, age, or disability. While women are disproportionately affected, men and LGBT+ people also experience harassment, often with specific barriers to speaking out. For example:
- Gay, Bisexual, and Trans people may face harassment linked to their identity and sexuality.
- Men may feel pressure not to disclose or worry they won’t be believed.
- Disabled people, including those with learning disabilities, may be targeted due to perceived vulnerability.
Sexual harassment and misconduct are contrary to the Equality Act 2010 and the University's Harassment and Bullying Procedure.
Find out more
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) provide some further information on unlawful harassment.
Citizens Advice provide further information on sexual harassment.
Rape Crisis England & Wales provide information on sexual harassment and support services
Harassment & Sexual Misconduct (University of Surrey)