Harassment and misconduct

What is sexual harassment?

Harassment is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature, which intends to violate your dignity, make you feel intimidated, degraded or humiliated and create a hostile and offensive environment. You don't have to have previously objected to someone's behaviour for it to be considered unwanted.

Types of misconduct

• Sexual harassment
• Unwanted physical contact
• Cyber sexual misconduct
• Sexual assault
• Rape
• Exploitation of power
• Stalking (sexual motive)
• Voyeurism
• Spiking

This list is by no means exhaustive. There are many other forms of misconduct.

Reporting an incident

We are committed to providing you with an inclusive and supportive environment, and do not tolerate acts of violence or any language or behaviour that leaves others feeling embarrassed, harassed, bullied, abused or discriminated against.

If you do see or experience unacceptable behaviour please report it to one of the following members of staff:

• report via our Report and Support tool
• the Student Casework Team in Student and Academic Services by contacting studentcasework@uwe.ac.uk
• a member of college or service staff working within, or responsible for, the location in which an incident has taken place
• an Information Point
• a Personal Tutor or Programme Manager.

Accused of misconduct

Being accused can be stressful and confusing time. Follow these steps to help you navigate this situation and access the support available to you.

1. Understand the allegation – stay calm, review the details and request clarity where necessary.
2. Familiarise yourself with the University Procedures – read the University policies around misconduct and disciplinary procedures and pay attention to deadlines.
3. Seek support – speak to your student union, access university services through the student support service or speak to close family, friends or mentors.
4. Prepare your response – gather evidence, be honest and write a statement.
5. Attend hearings – be prepared, respectful and ask questions.
6. Understand possible outcomes – sanctions and appeals.
7. Take care of yourself – look after your wellbeing and stay focused on your studies.
8. Seek external support – although university processes are not legal processes you can seek support and advice from legal representatives.

How we investigate

Our process ensures that both parties, those initiating the complaint and those accused of misconduct are treated fairly with their rights and interest protected throughout the investigation. Both parties will be allowed to seek support or representation throughout this process.

The following process will be followed:

• Initial assessment – the initial report and a caseworker is assigned to investigate.
• Notification to the reported student – providing written confirmation that includes a summary of the allegations, investigation process, setting out your rights including support services.
• Evidence gathered and evaluated – both parties will have the opportunity to present evidence, provide statements and respond to the findings at various stages of the investigation.
• Results of outcome sent to all parties – once a decision has been reached the outcome will be communicated to the reporting and reported student.
• Appeals – an opportunity to appeal the outcome.

Full details of how we investigate (PDF)