Any unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature which has the effect of violating your dignity, causes distress, intimidates, and creates a hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment (this includes the digital environment, online)
Cyber flashing is when someone sends an unwanted sexual image online. This is a type of indecent exposure. It can happen through text, email, social media, dating apps, or messaging apps like WhatsApp. It can also happen through file-sharing tools like AirDrop or Nearby Share, which let people send images to nearby devices, including to strangers.
Sexual Violence includes acts such as rape, sexual assault, and any other coerced or non-consensual sexual activities, recent or non-recent.
You can contact your local sexual assault referral centre (SARC) for more urgent support and care in the days following rape or sexual assault. SARCs are usually provided by the NHS and can offer confidential medical and practical support, including preserving forensic evidence. Find the details for your nearest SARC in Wales or England here: SARCs | Rape Crisis England & Wales. For further advice after a sexual assault visit our support pages.
Everyone has the right to feel safe and supported at work or study.
If you require immediate support, please click here
If you experience sexual misconduct or sexual harassment
You are encouraged to report cases of sexual harassment and/or misconduct as soon as is reasonably practicable. However, there is no deadline and cases can be reported many months or even years later.
When you make a referral or a report
There are many reasons why you may be unsure about informing us about an incident that you have experienced or witnessed.
Know that we will take all allegations seriously, regardless of the seniority of those involved, and we will not tolerate any retaliation against a person making a complaint under this policy.
Student Referrals
As a student, you will be supported by the Student Support intervention team (SSIT) unless you disclose to us anonymously to make an informed choice about whether to start a formal complaint and initial discussions will be held in confidence. Any subsequent investigations will be managed fairly and sensitively.
Students have a choice to report any incidents anonymously or with their details. The Specialist Practitioners in the SSIT team can support them to decide how to proceed, as well as supporting any mental health or wellbeing impact.
Staff reports
Staff have a choice to report any incidents anonymously or with their details. If reported with contact details they will be supported by their local HR on how to proceed and are encouraged to utilise the employee assistance programme for mental health and wellbeing concerns.
Please use Report & Support to provide us with details of your experience and we will support you through the course of action you choose to pursue.