Sexual harassment is defined as 'any unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature that you find offensive, or which makes you feel distressed, intimidated or humiliated'. Even if the person didn’t feel offended, distressed, intimidated, or humiliated, if this was the intention of the person carrying out the behaviour, it can still be classed as sexual harassment. Sexual harassment may include:

Those who have experienced sexual harassment are often told that they are being 'too sensitive or 'can’t take a joke'. Sexual harassment is never funny and should not be happening.

Report and Support is a disclosure site, which allow students to inform the University of incidents including sexual harassment. You can report anonymously, or you can request to speak to an advisor who is a trained Sexual Violence Liaison Officer to discuss your disclosure and options, this will be in line with University's privacy statement and does not instigate the start of formal complaint. Our Counselling, Mental Health, and Wellbeing Service is also available if you need support with your mental health or wellbeing.  

Sexual harassment is a form of unlawful discrimination under the Equality Act 2010, and certain forms of sexual harassment are crimes such as stalking, indecent exposure, 'upskirting', and any sexual harassment involving physical contact. Other forms of sexual harassment can also be a crime, dependent on the situation. For example, if someone experiences sexual harassment on more than one occasion that is intended to cause them alarm or distress, this could be the crime of harassment. This link explains how Greater Manchester Police can support you.

Speaking to the Police is your choice, you can still access support if this isn’t the option you want to take at the moment:

Greater Manchester Rape Crisis can support you via their helpline, their Independent Sexual Violence Advisor service, and counselling. 

Survivors Manchester support male victims of sexual abuse/harassment through 1-2-1 support, group support, and online support. 

If you need help with your mental health, SHOUT provides text-based crisis support. Text SHOUT to 85258. You can also call the Greater Manchester NHS Mental Health Helpline available 24/7 on 0800 953 0285. 

 

If you choose to disclose sexual harassment via Report and Support to speak to an advisor, they will be able to explore further signposting relevant to you and your identity.