Sexual misconduct and sexual harassment can be experienced by any individual, regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, relationship status, age, disability, faith, ethnicity, nationality or social status.
It is recognised that sexual misconduct and sexual harassment can refer to a broad spectrum of behaviours, from the most severe forms of sexual violence including rape and sexual assault, it also extends to unwanted touching, stalking, abusive or degrading remarks and across a vast range of inappropriate behaviour in between. Whilst detailing all of the behaviour covered by the University’s policy would be impossible, the common thread is the disregard of informed consent. Consent is always required and cannot be assumed based on the parties’ relationship status or sexual history together.