Sexual harassment

• Making sexual comments, jokes or gestures, including jokes about their sexuality
• Calling someone names such as “slut” and “whore”
• Sending unwanted sexual emails, DMs or text messages
• Spreading sexual rumours about someone
• Showing sexual photos or videos at school or work

• Staring or leering at someone’s body
• Someone exposing private parts of their body or masturbating in front of someone without their consent
• Unwanted touching or physical contact without someone’s consent
• Pressuring someone to do sexual things that they don’t want to do
• Offering rewards in return for sexual favours

In a report on street harassment (2018) Plan UK reported that 66% of girls in the UK have experienced sexual attention or sexual or physical contact in a public place, and 38% experience verbal harassment, like catcalling, wolf-whistling and sexual comments at least once a month.

Cyberflashing is sending someone sexual or explicit images or videos (nudes) without their consent.

Receiving an unwanted explicit image can be shocking and you may not know how to react. It may make you feel angry, intimidated or upset. If this has happened to you, block the sender, speak to someone you trust and seek support. You can also report it to the platform where it happened (dating site, social media etc).

More about cyberflashing

It is also sexual harassment if someone pressures you to send nude images or photos.

Sending naked images of, or to, people under 18 is illegal. If this has happened to you, speak with a trusted adult or an organisation like Brook, or Childline on their website or by calling 0800 1111.

Intimate image abuse is when someone shares private, sexual or explicit videos or photos of another person without their consent.

It is illegal in England and Wales.

It can happen on social media, through texting or email or by showing someone a physical or electronic image. Whether it’s sent to a friend, a work colleague, a family member or a stranger it is never okay to share private, sexual materials that aren’t yours, without permission.

This term is only appropriate for people aged 18 or over. If you are under 18 this type of content is classed as child abuse imagery.

Upskirting is taking a photo under someone’s clothing without their consent. It is now a criminal offence in England and Wales regardless of whether it was done for sexual gratification or to humiliate or embarrass the person.

Anyone can be a victim of upskirting regardless of their gender and it can happen anywhere including on public transport, on the street or in school.

Where to go for support

If you feel comfortable doing so, tell the person that you don’t like what they are doing and you want it to stop. If you don’t feel safe confronting them, speak to someone else who can help like a trusted adult or friend.

It is a good idea to a keep a diary or make notes about the sexual harassment – when, where, and if there were any witnesses. If you are receiving unwanted letters, emails or texts; keep a record of them as these are all evidence that can help you make a complaint.

If you’re experiencing harassment it’s a really good idea to speak to someone who you trust, like a family member, carer, or teacher. They will be able to help you with next steps, or assist you in finding additional support if you need it.

Sometimes it can feel embarrassing or difficult telling a person that you’re being harassed but it’s important to remember that it is never your fault and your feelings are valid. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking to someone you know or would rather tell someone over the phone, there are organisations that you can contact, like Victim Support.

If you’re not sure whether what you’re experiencing is harassment, speaking to someone else about it can help put things into perspective and help you to understand what you’re going through.

It is always your decision whether to report harassment. If you report to your school, college or work, they will have to follow up and investigate your report.

If you are in immediate danger, you should call the police on 999.

If you are being sexually harassed at work or by your landlord you are protected by the Equality Act 2010 which categorises sexual harassment under unlawful discrimination. This also includes if you are being treated badly due to your reaction to the harassment. Follow the links below for further help and support:

You may feel that what you’ve experienced isn’t ‘serious’ enough to report. But if someone has made you feel uncomfortable that is not okay and it is always best to report it. You will be able to get support and advice on what to do next.

If you have been sexually assaulted (which may include being emotionally manipulated or physically forced into performing a sexual act without your consent), you can report this to the police by dialling 999, 101, or visiting your local police station. It is always your choice whether to report something. If you need support, you can contact organisations like Rape Crisis.