Sexual harassment and misconduct refer to a broad range of inappropriate, unwelcome behaviours of a sexual nature and the common thread is a lack of informed consent. Some examples of sexual harassment include:
- Making unwelcome verbal or physical advances
- Stalking
- Unwelcome touching in a sexual way
- Making offensive or sexually explicit comments (like catcalling)
- Persistent unwanted sexual advances
- Making derogatory sexist remarks, gestures, or suggestions
- Making sexually embarrassing ‘jokes’
- Displaying sexually explicit images or materials
- Sending inappropriate texts and emails to or about you
- Asking inappropriate sexual questions, for example about your sexual history or sexual orientation
The sexual assault and rape page covers issues of sexual violence.
Report
It takes great courage to disclose experiences of sexual harassment or misconduct. Everyone who has experienced this deserves to be listened to, supported and believed. What has happened is not your fault and you are not alone. Your safety and wellbeing are the most important thing right now.
Report to the University
Use the Report and Support system to report a sexual harassment or misconduct incident to the University of St Andrews. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can request support from an adviser.
Staff members can also report to:
- Human Resources
- their manager (unless the matter directly relates to them)
- their trade union.
Other ways to report
- Report to the police
- Call 101 for non-emergencies (call 999 for emergencies)
- Complete the Police Scotland online reporting form
- Go to your local police station. The St Andrews police station Is located on 68 Pipeland Road, St Andrews, KY16 8JW
- Contact CrimeStoppers to report anonymously. CrimeStoppers often passes information to the police. You can call 0800 555 111 or report online to CrimeStoppers.
Support
University support
If you would like additional support, there are many resources available for both students and staff. Please see the how to get support page for more information.
External support
- Fife Rape and Sexual Assault Centre
- Rape Crisis Scotland (you call also call for free: 08088 01 03 02)
- Dundee and Angus Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre
- Survivors UK (support for men)
- Sign Health (for deaf people)
- Stay Safe East (for deaf and disabled people)
- Southall Black Sisters (aimed at Black women)
If someone you know is experiencing sexual harassment
If you know someone who has experienced or is experiencing sexual harassment, you can help in the following ways:
- Listen. Taking the time to listen and talk about what has happened can help.
- Signpost options. Ask them if they’re okay to talk through some possible options for support or how they might report what has happened. Do not take on the role of a counsellor or therapist.
- Help them report. If they want to, and you feel able to, you can help them report the incident or incidents.
Resources
- Information and help after rape and sexual assault (Scottish Government)
- Information and support for anyone experiencing sexual violence and harassment in the workplace (Scottish Women’s Rights Centre)
- Acas gives employees and employers free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice.