Please note some of the definitions below may contain language which may be triggering, including explanations of a sexual nature.
Sexual misconduct and gender-based violence are umbrella terms for sexually or gender orientated behaviour of an inappropriate nature and which often need a further definition applying to understand the exact issue at hand.
Appendix One of the Sexual Misconduct and Gender-based Violence Procedure includes the comprehensive set of behavioural concerns in this area. Closely linked is the University's Dignity at Work and Study Policy which defines bullying, harassment, discrimination and victimisation.
On this page you'll find some addition common terminology and processes that you might heard referred to in these areas. We'd encourage anyone who feels they have experienced such behaviour to first complete a form on the Report and Support website, as this will put you in contact with an advisor to discuss options for support and actions you may take.
All of the terms are in alphabetical order so you can find what you're looking for.
Catcalling
Catcalling is an act of harassment, and can also be known as ‘street harassment.’ Catcalling can involve being whistled at, having kissing noises made at you or any rude, unwelcome or derogatory comment made towards you, causing you to feel uncomfortable. Victims of catcalling can be made to feel uncomfortable and even wish to avoid places that they would usually walk past or go to, and negatively impact a victim.
Consent
By law, consent is when a person has the freedom and capacity to make a choice and is able to give sexual consent. If someone is feeling bullied, is scared, asleep or under the influence of drugs or very drunk then they are unable to give consent.
We recommend applying the F.R.I.E.S. principle when gaining consent.
Freely Given - Consent is given without any pressure, coercion or otherwise forced to agree to an act.
Reversible - Consent can be revoked at any time, even during a sexual act. The act should be stopped immediately, and not resumed without fresh consent being given.
Informed - Consent is given with full information on what is about to happen. Should something change, fresh consent should be given, for example if a sexual partner wanted to remove a condom during intercourse.
Enthusiastic - If a sexual partner is giving any indication that they are not a fully willing participant in the activity (for example - looking afraid, upset, withdrawing physically, etc), this is not enthusiastic consent. Stop immediately.
Specific - Consent to one act does not mean consent to all. Ensure you are in agreement on what is happening each step of the way.
Cyber-Flashing
Cyber-Flashing involves sending or showing sexual content to someone else without consent. This is a form of sexual harassment, and can have a serious negative impact on the victim; this would be investigatedunder the University's Procedure for Handling Allegations for Sexual Misconduct.
Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse can be defined as any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those who are or have been intimate partners, or family members. This is regardless of sexuality or gender. Domestic abuse can take many forms, such as sexual abuse, physical abuse, financial abuse, coercive and controlling behaviours, online abuse, so-called 'honour'-based abuse or FGM.
Exposing
Exposing is the act of a person revealing private body parts to someone else without their consent. This is also sometimes known as 'flashing'. This is a form of sexual harassment, and can have a serious negative impact on the victim; this would be investigated under the University's Procedure for Handling allegations of Sexual Misconduct.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a procedure where the female genitals are deliberately cut, injured or changed. There is no medical reason for this being carried out. This is also known as 'female circumcision' or cutting. It is often carried out on young girls. It is illegal in the UK and constitutes child abuse. There is support to all those who may have experienced this both by the NHS and other organisations.
'Honour'-based Abuse
So-called 'Honour'-based abuse is any form of abuse that is motivated or escalated due to the idea of ‘honour’ or ‘shame.’ This form of abuse can often look like domestic abuse, but the difference is the reason for the abuse, or its aggravating factors. 'Honour'-based abuse can sometimes be in the form of virginity testing, child marriage, enforced abortion, forced marriage as well as physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse as well as coercive and controlling behaviours.
Pressing
Pressing is terminology to describe one person rubbing up against someone else on purpose. This is a form of sexual harassment, and can have a serious negative impact on the victim; this would be investigated under the University's Procedure for Handling Allegations for Sexual Misconduct.
Rape
The legal definition of rape is ‘penetration with a penis of the vagina, anus or mouth of another person without their consent.’ Any kind of physical sexual act without consent is sexual assault, however if there is penetration with a penis, without consent, then this constitutes rape.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault (sometimes called indecent assault) is any form of violation, whether psychological, emotional or physical, in the form of a sexual act that is carried out without consent. This can involve forcing or manipulating someone to participate in sexual activity. If penetration has occurred with any part of the body other than the penis, this is called ‘sexual assault by penetration.’ This form of abuse does not need to have been carried out with any weapon or object, or for the victim to have any visible injuries, to be deemed as abuse.
Sexual Violence/Sexual Misconduct
These are general terms often used to describe any form of unwanted sexual act or activity, and includes sexual harassment. Examples include:
- Physical acts such as rape, sexual assault, and sexual abuse
- Non-physical acts such as inappropriate sexual comments, creating non-consensual video or photographic sexual content, upskirting, 'flashing'.
- Online or digital offenses such as revenge porn, cyber-flashing, and unwanted contact of a sexual nature online.
All are unacceptable and can be investigated under the University's procedure for Handling Allegations of Sexual Misconduct, and externally by GMP.
Stalking
Stalking can be defined as a pattern of fixated and obsessive behaviour which is repeated, persistent, intrusive and causes fear of violence or creates feelings of alarm and distress in the victim. Stalking behaviours can include any unwanted communication, the perpetrator sending unwanted gifts or other objects to the victim, damage to property and can escalate to physical or sexual assault.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is any form of unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature that makes you feel distressed, humiliated or intimidated. It can take many different forms such as sexually degrading comments or gestures, being stared or leered at, emails or text messages that are sexually explicit or with sexual content and many more.
Upskirting
Upskirting refers to the act of taking photos under someone's clothes without their consent. This is a form of sexual harassment, and can have a serious negative impact on the victim; this would be investigated under the University's Procedure for Handling Allegations for Sexual Misconduct.