Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual behaviour which can be threatening and intimidating, can compromise your dignity, and can cause offence, fear or humiliation. Sexual harassment may be verbal or physical and can include:
- Sexual comments or noises – for example, catcalling or wolf-whistling.
- Sexual gestures.
- Leering, staring or suggestive looks. This can include looking someone up and down.
- Sexual ‘jokes’.
- Sexual innuendos or suggestive comments.
- Unwanted sexual advances or flirting.
- Sexual requests or asking for sexual favours.
- Sending unsolicited messages with sexual content.
- Intrusive questions about a person’s private or sex life.
- Someone discussing their own sex life.
- Commenting on someone's body, appearance or what they’re wearing.
- Spreading sexual rumours.
- Displaying images of a sexual nature.
- Unwanted physical contact of a sexual nature – for example, brushing up against someone or hugging, kissing or massaging them.
- Stalking.
- Indecent exposure.
- Taking a photo or video under another person's clothing – what is known as 'upskirting'.
Sexual harassment can leave you feeling frightened, angry, ashamed or embarrassed. It is important to remember that if this happens to you, it is not your fault.
The Scottish Women's Right's Centre provide additional information on the legal context of sexual harassment here, which includes information on where to seek support if this has happened to you or someone you know.
The Scottish Women's Right's Centre provide additional information on the legal context of sexual harassment here, which includes information on where to seek support if this has happened to you or someone you know.
If you have experienced sexual harassment and would like further information on your reporting and support options, please contact the University's Equally Safe Team at equallysafeteam@ed.ac.uk to explore your options with a member of the specialist team.