Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault
Any form of sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, sexual violence or sexual assault is never acceptable.
The University of Wolverhampton is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for all students, staff and visitors.
If you have experienced any form of sexual misconduct, what happened was not your fault.
You do not have to face this alone, and support is available.
If This Has Happened to You
People respond to experiences of sexual misconduct in different ways.
You may feel:
- shocked
- frightened
- confused
- angry
- numb
- embarrassed
- guilty
- unsure what to do next
There is no right or wrong way to feel.
What happened is not your fault.
What you choose to do next is your decision.
Are You in Immediate Danger?
If you are in immediate danger, have been seriously injured, or require urgent medical assistance:
Call 999
If you are on campus and require immediate assistance, you should also contact University Security.
What is Sexual Misconduct?
Sexual misconduct is a form of harassment and refers to unacceptable behaviour of a sexual nature.
It can include:
- sexual harassment
- sexual assault
- sexual violence
- stalking
- intimate partner abuse
- coercive or controlling behaviour
- grooming
- unwanted sexual advances
- unwanted sexual comments
- sexual bullying
- abuse of power for sexual purposes
- sharing sexual images without consent
Sexual misconduct can occur in person, online, through social media, by telephone, email or messaging platforms.
It can occur between strangers, acquaintances, friends, colleagues, partners or former partners.
What is Consent?
Consent means agreeing by choice and having both the freedom and capacity to make that choice.
Consent:
- must be freely given
- can be withdrawn at any time
- cannot be assumed
- must be ongoing throughout any sexual activity
Someone may not have the capacity to consent if they are:
- unconscious
- asleep
- significantly affected by alcohol or drugs
- unable to understand the situation due to a health condition or other vulnerability
What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is a criminal offence.
Sexual assault occurs when a person intentionally sexually touches another person without their consent.
This may include:
- unwanted touching
- kissing
- groping
- sexual contact without consent
- more serious sexual offences, including rape and assault by penetration
What is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature that has the purpose or effect of:
- violating a person's dignity; or
- creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.
Sexual harassment can happen once or be repeated over time.
Examples may include:
- unwanted sexual comments
- sexual jokes
- inappropriate remarks about someone's body or appearance
- unwanted flirting or advances
- Repeated requests for dates or sexual contact
- displaying sexual images or material
- sending unwanted messages of a sexual nature
- catcalling or wolf-whistling
- stalking
- sharing intimate images without consent
- online sexual harassment
The impact on the person affected is what matters.
Reporting Sexual Misconduct
The University provides several ways to access support and report concerns.
Report a Concern
You can make an identifiable report if you would like the University to contact you and discuss available support and options.
Anonymous Reporting
If you do not feel comfortable identifying yourself, you can make an anonymous report.
Anonymous two-way messaging is also available, allowing you to receive support and guidance without revealing your identity.
What Happens Next?
If you submit a report, a trained member of staff will review the information provided.
Depending on the circumstances, this may include:
- safeguarding support
- discussion of reporting options
- wellbeing support
- referral to specialist services
- support with understanding University procedures
- support in accessing external agencies where appropriate
You will not be pressured into making a formal complaint or reporting the matter to the police.
Support for Students
Students may be able to access support through:
Student Life
Student Life - University of Wolverhampton
Providing support with:
- wellbeing
- welfare
- disability and inclusion
- financial concerns
- student support
Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
Mental Health and Wellbeing Advice - University of Wolverhampton
Providing support for:
- anxiety
- low mood
- emotional distress
- mental health concerns
- crisis situations
Safeguarding Team
Safeguarding - University of Wolverhampton
Providing support where there are concerns relating to:
- abuse
- exploitation
- vulnerability
- safety
- wellbeing
Support for Staff
Staff members affected by bullying, harassment, discrimination, hate crime, sexual misconduct or other concerning behaviour can access support through a range of routes.
Line Manager Support
Managers can provide support, discuss available options and help identify appropriate workplace adjustments or interventions where required.
Human Resources
The HR team can provide advice regarding:
- workplace concerns
- dignity at work issues
- informal and formal resolution options
- policies and procedures
hr@wlv.ac.uk
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
The Employee Assistance Programme provides confidential support and advice for staff, including emotional well-being support and counselling services.
Staff Support - University of Wolverhampton
Safeguarding Team
The University's Safeguarding Team supports both students and staff and can provide advice where there are concerns relating to safety, vulnerability, abuse, exploitation or wellbeing.
Safeguarding - University of Wolverhampton
Specialist Support Services
If you have experienced sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, sexual violence or abuse, you do not have to cope with this alone.
Support is available whether or not you choose to make a report to the University or the police.
Black Country Women's Aid
Black Country Women's Aid provides specialist support for individuals affected by:
- domestic abuse
- sexual violence
- stalking
- exploitation
Support is available across the Black Country region, including Wolverhampton.
I need help - Birmingham Solihull Women's Aid
Rape Crisis England & Wales
Rape Crisis provides specialist support for people affected by:
- rape
- sexual assault
- sexual harassment
- childhood sexual abuse
- sexual violence
Services include:
- confidential emotional support
- information and advice
- specialist advocacy services
The Survivors Trust
The Survivors Trust supports survivors of:
- rape
- sexual violence
- sexual abuse
and can help individuals access specialist local services.
The Survivors Trust - Rape & Sexual Abuse Services UK
SurvivorsUK
SurvivorsUK is a national charity providing specialist support for men, boys, trans and non-binary people who have experienced sexual violence, sexual abuse or sexual exploitation.
The organisation offers a range of confidential services, including emotional support, counselling, practical guidance and information about reporting options. Support is available regardless of when the abuse or assault occurred and whether the individual has chosen to report the matter to the police.
SurvivorsUK works to ensure that people affected by sexual violence can access support, recover from their experiences and make informed choices about the help they receive.
SurvivorsUK | We challenge the silence to support sexually abused men
Victim Support
Victim Support provides free and confidential support for anyone affected by crime, regardless of whether the incident has been reported to the police.
Help and support - Victim Support
NHS Support
If you have experienced sexual assault and require medical support, advice or forensic examination, you can access support through NHS services.
You can contact:
- NHS 111
- Your GP
- Local Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs)
Find an ISVA - The Survivors Trust
Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)
Sexual Assault Referral Centres provide specialist medical, practical and emotional support following sexual assault.
You can access support regardless of whether you decide to report the incident to the police.
Immediate Danger
If you are in immediate danger, have been seriously injured, or a crime is in progress:
Call 999
For non-emergency police assistance:
West Midlands Police – 101
Remember
You do not need to decide immediately what action to take.
Whether you choose to make a report, seek support, speak to somebody you trust, or simply find out more about your options, support is available.
The University will listen, take concerns seriously and work with you to identify the most appropriate support and next steps.