At Southampton Solent University we believe that bullying, harassment, assault and discrimination are never acceptable.
If you have been affected by sexual misconduct or harassment, you can let us know using the You Report, We Support form.
What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment can be a single incident or a pattern of persistent behaviour and is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature which violates an individual’s dignity and creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that person or a group of people. The behaviour is considered sexual harassment if it has one of these effects, even if it was not intended, or it is intended to have one of these effects even if it did not have that effect.
An individual can experience sexual harassment from someone of the same or different gender identity or sexual orientation and the recipient of the behaviour decides whether it is unwanted.
What is sexual misconduct?
Sexual misconduct is unacceptable behaviour of a sexual nature. It can include but is not limited to sexual violence, intimate partner violence, sexual assault (any sexual touching that a person does not consent to), rape, grooming, coercion with a sexual element, sexual invitations and demands, sexual comments (in person or online), intimate image abuse.
Consent
A person consents to a sexual interaction taking place if they agree by choice and have the freedom and capacity to make that choice.
Consent cannot be assumed on the basis of a previous sexual experience or previously given consent, and it may be withdrawn at any time. Consent must be enthusiastic, ongoing, and clearly communicated.
Anyone can be sexually assaulted, regardless of gender or sexuality. It does not matter if you have previously consented to sexual acts with that person, or with others. Whatever the circumstances, nobody has the right to force you to have sex or touch you without your consent.
Do you need immediate help?
Are you in immediate danger? If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured call 999.
If an incident has just happened, try to find somewhere you feel safe. If you are at the University, you can call the campus safety officers on 07720 166090 or go to your nearest University building and ask someone to phone for you.
What support is available if I have experienced sexual harassment or sexual misconduct?
Yellowdoor are a Southampton charity offering a wide range of specialist therapeutic, support and prevention services to anyone at risk from or affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence and abuse.
No Limits offer free information, advice and help to young people under the age of 26 in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton.
Galop support LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence.
Rape Crisis provide information and support, and you can contact their 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line and speak to one of their specialists.
Mankind - For men in England and Wales affected by unwanted sexual experiences.
Report a rape, sexual assault or other sexual offences to Hampshire & IOW Constabulary.
Victim Support is the independent charity for people affected by crime and traumatic events in England and Wales. Their support is free and confidential.
The University offers wellbeing support through the Mental Health and Wellbeing Team. Details of the services available and to book an appointment, please visit our portal pages.
Visit the Student Hub to speak in confidence to a trained sexual violence liaison officer or email safe.space@solent.ac.uk
Visit the Student Hub for advice and information about the complaints process or to discuss submitting extenuating circumstances if your studies have or are being affected.
