The University of Winchester understands sexual misconduct as an umbrella term, and regularly investigates and sanctions proven acts of misconduct. The University’s definition of sexual misconduct is:
'Sexual misconduct is non-consensual behaviour, or conduct, or attempted behaviour, or conduct of a sexual nature that includes (but is not limited to): sexual harassment; physical sexual violence and assault including rape; sexual abuse; non-consensual sharing, publishing or making of sexual videos, images, or online content; intimate partner violence; grooming; stalking; coercion or bullying with sexual elements; sexual invitations and demands; sexual comments; sexual non-verbal communication; creation of atmospheres of discomfort; promised resources or advancement in exchange for sexual access, and a vast range of other behaviours.
Intimate and physical acts of a sexual nature that are not freely consented to, or where the individual does not have the capacity to consent, are forms of sexual misconduct. If sexual conduct occurred and consent is not present, and the reported party was aware that the acts were not consented to, or any assertion of that belief is unreasonable on the facts, then sexual misconduct is established.
Sexual misconduct also occurs if an individual treats a person less favourably because that person has rejected or submitted to unwanted conduct of a sexual nature.'
Further information and definitions can be found in the Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy.
Instances of sexual violence occur more commonly than is realised; and as many as 1 in 4 women are estimated to experience sexual violence at some point during their lives. Whilst the majority of reported incidents of sexual assault take place against women, men and those from the transgender communities are also affected and the incidence and prevalence of sexual violence at universities is widely recognised as an international and well-documented problem.
To report sexual misconduct or harassment to the University, please click here.
For information on support please see here.
For information on Domestic and Relationship Abuse, please click here.
There is also further information, including sources of support, on the Student Support and Success pages here.