Sexual Harassment and Violence

How to get support.

What is sexual harassment?

• Sexual harassment is described as:

“unwanted conduct of a sexual nature which can occur online or offline”.

• In this presentation when referring to sexual harassment we are looking at it from peer to peer (i.e. child to child or adult to adult). *When referring to children – this is anyone under the age of 18.
• Where an adult is potentially being sexual towards a child (under the age of 18) – this is classed legally as sexual abuse rather than harassment or violence.
• Examples of sexual harassment may be: making lewd comments, sexual jokes/taunting, displaying pictures of a sexual nature, the sharing of nude images without permission.
• You should know: Upskirting is the act of taking pictures underneath someone’s clothes and is a criminal offence in the UK.
• It is important to note that anyone can sexually harass others regardless of gender identity, age etc.

What is sexual violence?

• Sexual violence has 3 parts to it as a definition:
• Part 1) Rape – This is the act of penetrating someone’s vagina, anus or mouth with a penis without their consent.
• Part 2) Assault by penetration – this is the act of using any part of your own body to penetrate any part of someone’s body without their permission.
• Part 3) Sexual assault – This is the act of intentionally touching another person without their permission in a sexual manner.
• It is important to remember that anyone can perpetrate sexual violence against another person regardless of age, gender identity etc. The legal definition of rape under the Sexual Offences Act (2003) is specific that rape involves penetration using a penis but anyone can be sexually violent towards others.

Addressing consent.

• No means no!
• A person can only consent to sexual activity if they have the freedom and capacity to choose.
• A person may consent to one sexual activity such as kissing, but may not consent to another sexual activity such as penetrative sex.
• A person can withdraw their consent at any time, even whilst sexual activity is taking place.
• Think: does the person you are with have the capacity to choose? Are they intoxicated? Might they change their mind if they were sober?

The dangers of pornography.

• Porn is easily-accessible and available all over the internet and takes many different forms such as videos, pictures, webcams or erotic stories.
• Porn is often misleading and does not represent genuine healthy sexual relationships.
• Porn can sometimes encourage, normalise or even trigger acts of sexual harassment and violence.
• In 2010 – researchers analysed 300 porn videos and found 88% of those contained physical aggression.
• Remember: Porn is an industry designed to profit from consumers. It can NEVER replace the intimacy of a healthy, consensual, sexual relationship!
• Watch this short video on the negative impacts of pornography on relationships: Pornography - BBC Teach

The College’s ethos.

• The Sheffield College does not tolerate sexual harassment/violence of any form and takes all disclosures seriously.
• We will always listen to you, in a non-judgemental way.
• We take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously and will always take action where disclosures are made.
• Our students are at the heart of everything we do; we want you to feel safe in college.
• If there are places within college that you feel particularly unsafe, you can speak to any member of staff or ask to speak to a member of the safeguarding team so we can further support you.

How can I get help?

• Speaking up can be difficult and we recognise that having conversations about experiencing sexual harassment/violence can be uncomfortable at times.
• You can speak to any staff member in college that you trust, they will always pass the information on to a member of the safeguarding team.
• You can report instances of sexual harassment/violence directly to the police on 101 if you feel more comfortable but we encourage you to speak to a staff member at college so we can keep you safe whilst on site.
• If you feel in immediate danger – call 999.
• You can email safeguarding@sheffcol.ac.uk if you feel uncomfortable having that conversation face-to-face.

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What help could I receive?

• The college can refer you to emotional support avenues such as The Listening Service, Childline, Sheffield Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (SRASAC). There are others too!
• We will support you to report your experience to the police should you feel comfortable.
• We can check in with you regularly to ensure you are ok and that the support you are receiving is beneficial for you.
• If you disclose that there are places in college that you feel unsafe, we can ensure that there is extra security in place in those areas.
• In incidents where you are under the age of 18, a referral to social care may be required – this is to keep you safe and can result in further support services for you!
• We can minimise your contact with the perpetrator via suspension/ “time out” of the perpetrator.
• There are many other mechanisms of support too – speak to a member of staff/safeguarding team to find out more!

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Useful contacts

• REMEMBER – this is not an exhaustive list – you can speak to any member of staff within college.
• safeguarding@sheffcol.ac.uk
• Call 101 to report your experience directly to the police.
• If you feel in immediate danger – call 999.
• If you do not feel comfortable speaking to a member of staff, speak to any trusted adult in your life i.e. family/friends – they could support you to speak up.