Sexual misconduct describes inappropriate and unwanted or attempted unwanted behaviours of a sexual nature. It can include harassment, assault, grooming, sexual invitations, comments and non-verbal communication with sexual content or overtones, the creation of atmospheres of discomfort, and promised resources in exchange for sexual access.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature which:
- violates your dignity
- makes you feel intimidated, degraded or humiliated
- creates a hostile or offensive environment
- You don’t need to have previously objected to someone's behaviour for it to be considered unwanted.
Sexual harrassment 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
- sending emails with a sexual content
Sexual Assault
A person commits sexual assault if they intentionally touch another person, the touching is sexual and the person does not consent.
It involves all unwanted physical contact of a sexual nature and ranges from pinching, embracing, groping and kissing, to rape and serious sexual assault which involves penetration without consent.
Consent
A person must have the capacity to give free agreement. Capacity is based on the person:
- Being the right age
- Being sober
- Having the mental and physical ability to freely agree
- Not being threatened or afraid of harm
- Not being detained against their will.
Further Support
- Citizens Advice. Provide information on rape and sexual assault
- Outcry Witness has lots of resources, advice and links to other sources of support. The ‘Information Locker’ feature enables users to complete and store an anonymous, encrypted and secure record of their experience in case they wish to report it or access further support at a later date. More information on how this works is on the Outcry Witness website.
- London Met. Provide further information on definitions of sexual assault, rape and consent.
- Rape Crisis is a confidential support service run by women for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused.
- ManKind provides specialist advice and counselling for men affected by sexual violence
- The Havens’ Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) provide comprehensive and co-ordinated forensic, counselling and aftercare service to men, women and children living in London who have experienced rape or sexual assault in the past 12 months.
- Galop is a charity that supports lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and queer people affected by sexual violence.
- Survivors UK offers a range of services for men who have experienced sexual violence at any point in their lives.
- The National Stalking Helpline can give you information and advice on support and options available to you.
- Women’s Aid provides a range of services for people experiencing domestic violence including helpline, IDVA, outreach, and refuge.
- MALE is an advice line for male victims of domestic abuse.
- Camden Safety Net offers advice and support, risk assess, devise action plans to enhance safety and provide counselling to victims.
- Revenge Porn Helpline provide free, non-judgemental and confidential advice to all adults who have been victim of intimate image abuse.
- Victim Support offers free and confidential support to help you deal with your experience, whether or not you report the crime. They also support witnesses of crime.