Sexual harassment is any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that violates someone's dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. This unwanted sexual conduct can happen in person, on the phone, by text or email, or online.
It includes a range of behaviours, including (but not limited to) the following:
- Sexual comments, suggestive comments or jokes, which may be referred to as “banter” including where the intent is claimed to be humorous
- Suggestive looks, staring or leering
- Propositions, sexual advances or asking for sexual favours
- Making promises in return for sexual favours
- Commenting on someone's body, appearance or what they’re wearing
- Sexual gestures
- Intrusive questions about a person’s private or sex life or a person discussing their own sex life
- Sexual posts or contact in online communications, including on social media
- Sending sexually explicit emails, text messages or messages via other social media
- Spreading sexual rumours about a person
- Repeatedly contacting or following another person without good reason (stalking)
- Indecent exposure
- Upskirting (where someone takes a picture or video under a person’s clothing without their permission)
- Displaying sexually graphic pictures, posters or photos (in the context of the RCA this does not refer to academic or artistic work involving sexual content, provided it is appropriately contextualised and does not target or harass others)
The RCA has a webpage which explains how harassment and sexual misconduct are not tolerated at the RCA, and what action you can take if you experience or witness these unacceptable behaviours. The page includes links to staff and student policies and procedures.