Understanding Sexual Harassment
What is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is a type of sexual violence; it is used to describe a sexual act that happened without consent.
In England and Wales, sexual harassment is defined as when someone carries out unwanted sexual behaviour towards another person that makes them feel upset, scared, offended or humiliated.
The 2010 Equality Act says someone sexually harasses another person if they:
Engage in unwanted conduct of a sexual nature and
The conduct has the purpose or effect of either violating the other person's dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them.
Where can Sexual Harassment happen?
Sexual harassment can happen anywhere.
At Our Streets Now, we aim to tackle Public Sexual Harassment, Sexual Harassment that happens in public spaces, in four areas: Schools, High Streets, Higher Education and Sports.
However, Sexual Harassment can happen anywhere: in the park, in a nightclub, in a shop, at the bus stop or in a pub. It is also important to note that sexual harassment can also happen online, by phone, text or email.
What does Sexual Harassment look like?
Sexual harassment includes a wide range of behaviours, including
catcalling
sexual gestures
leering, staring or suggestive looks
sexual jokes
sexual innuendos
unwanted sexual requests
unwanted sexual text messages or explicit images
commenting on someone's body or appearance
standing close to someone
showing someone images of a sexual nature
unwanted sexual, physical contact, rubbing up against someone, hugging or kissing them
stalking or following someone
indecent exposure
upskirting, taking a photo under someone's clothes
Is Sexual Harassment illegal?
Sexual harassment is a form of unlawful discrimination under the Equality Act 2010; this means that people are legally protected from sexual harassment in certain places, such as in the workplace, on transport and at school and university,
Currently, some forms of sexual harassment are illegal; these are:
stalking, indecent exposure, upskirting and sexual assault.
However, in 2023, Public sexual harassment acts such as catcalling, following someone or blocking their path, and any act that causes intentional harassment, alarm or distress to a person in public because of their sex is now illegal. These crimes can carry a sentence of up to two years.
How can I support someone who has experienced sexual harassment?
It is essential to give someone space and time and listen to them if they open up to you about an experience of sexual harassment. This also includes reminding them that it is not their fault that this has happened and providing validation and belief.
You can also point them to various support networks such as:
NHS Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)
Citizen’s Advice - 0800 144 8848
survivorsnetwork.org - sexual harassment support
survivorsuk.org - male rape and sexual abuse support
womensaid.org.uk - crisis support and intervention to abused women
