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Responding to Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is unlikely to stop until confronted. In some cases, this may mean informing the person directly that his or her actions are offensive and unwelcome. Other situations may require a formal reprimand or a disciplinary hearing.
Consent is essential for any sexual activity
Consent is a mutual and voluntary agreement to engage in a sexual activity, which is informed and freely given.
- Consent to one form of sexual activity does not imply consent to other forms of sexual activity.
- Consent can be withdrawn even if sex has begun.
- Silence does not constitute consent.
- Effective consent may not exist when there is a disparity in power: Supervisor/Employee or Faculty/Student.
There is no consent if:
- Coercion, intimidation, threats and/or physical force are used.
- A person is mentally or physically incapacitated, or impaired by alcohol or drugs such that the person cannot understand the fact, nature or extent of the sexual situation.
- A person is asleep or unconscious.
What happens after the report is made?
The University is required to:
- Take immediate, appropriate action to investigate.
- Take prompt and effective steps to end sexual harassment/sexual violence and prevent its recurrence.
- Provide resources and supportive measures, including taking interim steps prior to the final outcome of the investigation.
- Notify both parties of the outcome of the complaint.
Bystander-Focused Prevention of Sexual Misconduct
5 Steps for Bystander Intervention: STEP UP!
- Notice the event.
- Interpret the event as a problem/emergency.
- Assume personal responsibility if safe to do so.
- Possess the skills to intervene - get trained!
- Implement the skills and help - STEP UP!