Student Harassment and Sexual Misconduct

What is harassment and sexual misconduct?

Harassment and sexual misconduct are clearly defined in Croydon University Centre’s (CUC) Student Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy to ensure everyone understands what constitutes unacceptable behaviour.

Harassment

“Harassment” is unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic which has the purpose or effect of violating an individual’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment as defined by the Equality Act 2010. This includes harassment by association or perception.

Unlawful harassment therefore may involve conduct of a sexual nature (sexual harassment), or it may be conduct related to age, disability, gender reassignment, martial or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, sex or sexual orientation, religion or belief.

Sexual Misconduct

“Sexual Misconduct” relates to all unwanted conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual misconduct is a form of harassment and is unacceptable behaviour of a sexual nature. It can include sexual harassment; sexual violence; intimate partner violence; sexual assault; grooming; coercion or bullying with sexual elements; sexual invitations and demands; comments; non-verbal communication; creation of atmospheres of discomfort; and promised resources or advancement in exchange for sexual access. Sexual misconduct specifically raises issues of unequal relationships, consent, and the prevention of equal access to education, opportunities and career progression.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Sexual harassment as defined by Section 26(2) Equality Act 2010
• Harassment as defined in section 1 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997
• Assault as defined by the Sexual Offences Act 2003
• Rape as defined by the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
• Physical unwanted sexual advances as set out by the Equality and Human Rights Commission: Sexual harassment and the law, 2017
• Intimidation or promising resources or benefits in return for sexual favours as set out by the Equality and Human Rights Commission: Sexual harassment and the law, 2017
• Distributing private and personal explicit images or video footage without consent as defined by the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015.
• Stalking and cyberstalking behaviours
• Unwanted sexual commentary, jokes, or innuendo
• Display of sexually explicit material
• Coercion or pressure to engage in sexual activity

CUC is committed to promoting a culture in which any incidents of harassment or sexual misconduct will not be tolerated. All members of the community are expected to take an active role in ensuring that all interpersonal relationships and interactions are underpinned by mutual respect, open communication and clear consent.

While CUC takes all reports of harassment seriously, it is important to acknowledge that not everything constitutes harassment.

Exposure to the content of higher education course materials, such as books, videos, sound recordings or images, as well as statements and views shared in the context of teaching, research, or academic discussion, is unlikely to amount to harassment.

Incidents that are reported to CUC will be thoroughly addressed to ensure the preservation of a safe study and work environment for everyone.