Sexual harassment occurs when someone is subjected to unwanted conduct of a sexual nature or which is related to sex. This is with the intention of either violating that person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them. A person can be sexually harassed by someone of the same or different sex.
Sexual assault is a criminal offense and involves all unwanted physical contact of a sexual nature and ranges from pinching, embracing, groping and kissing, to rape which involves penetration without consent.
Gender-based violence (GBV) is harm perpetrated against a person due to their factual or perceived sex, gender, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity. GBV stems from societal norms and often disproportionately affects women, girls, and marginalised groups.
Domestic abuse is an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence. This can include forced marriage or ‘honour-based’ violence, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and ritual abuse. Domestic abuse can be perpetrated by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer.
The abuse can include, but is not limited to:
- Psychological
- Physical
- Sexual
- Financial
- Emotional
The legal definition of rape in England and Wales is when someone intentionally penetrates another person's vagina, anus or mouth with their penis, without that person's consent. Consent means agreeing by choice, freely and with understanding, and it can be withdrawn at any time. The law applies to people of any gender or age and includes situations like marital rape and acquaintance rape, with the crucial element being the absence of the complainant's freedom to choose and give consent.
*The terminology used by the Casework Team falls within the scope and framework of the University's Disciplinary Code and Procedure in respect of students and is distinct from the legal terms that categorise sexual offences within the Criminal Justice System.
The Casework Team works in line with the definitions of sexual harassment and/or sexual misconduct as defined in UCL's Prevention of Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy.