Aberystwyth University Students’ Union
Sexual Harassment Policy
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Introduction
This document sets out the process for reporting and dealing with allegations of sexual
harassment and affirms a zero-tolerance stance to sexual harassment at Aberystwyth
University Students’ Union (AberSU).
Policy Statement
AberSU has a stance of zero tolerance to sexual harassment, and is committed to promoting
and maintaining an environment in which all people are treated with respect and dignity,
free of discrimination, victimisation and any form of harassment. AberSU believes that all
students have the right to feel safe, comfortable and happy in their surroundings.
What is sexual harassment?
The defining characteristics of sexual harassment are that it is unwanted, persistent and of a
sexual nature. Examples of unacceptable behaviour include:
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Unwanted sexual comments (including comments about your body or private life).
Unwelcome sexual invitations, innuendoes, and offensive gestures.
Wolf whistling, catcalling or offensive sexual noises.
Groping, pinching or smacking of your body.
Having clothing lifted or removed without agreeing.
Someone exposing their sexual organs to you without consent.
Sexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination, and can involve anyone regardless of
their gender identity, sexual expression or biological sex.
What is sexual assault and rape?
A person commits rape if they intentionally penetrate the vagina, anus or mouth of another
person without consent. A person commits sexual assault if they intentionally touch another
person, the touching is sexual and the person does not consent. Consent is when someone
agrees, gives permission, or says "yes" to sexual activity with other persons. Consent is
always freely given and all people in a sexual situation must feel that they can say "yes" or
"no" or stop the sexual activity at any point.
AberSU strongly encourages anyone who feels they have been a victim of sexual assault or
rape to immediately notify the police. AberSU understand that this may be difficult and that
the victim may want to utilise other forms of reporting before considering notifying the
police.
What should I do if I would like to report an incident(s) of sexual harassment?
All reports of sexual harassment will be dealt with in the strictest confidence, a timely
manner and with the wellbeing of the victim in mind.
If you would like to report an incident(s) of sexual harassment you can do so in one of the
following ways:
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By visiting our our website and using our online reporting form.
By notifying a member of the Aber SU Full-Time Officer or Staff Team who will be
able to direct you to the above online reporting form or arrange an appointment
with an Adviser.
Our online form allows individuals who have experience sexual harassment to report an
incident(s) anonymously or be contacted by an Adviser for further support.
Anonymous reports can also be submitted by third parties who may have witnessed an
incident(s); however these reports will only be recorded for statistical purposes.
Everyone who uses the above reporting mechanisms will be offered the opportunity to meet
with an Adviser to discuss support that is available and further action that could be taken.
Where those reporting anonymously opt not to see an Adviser the end of the reporting form
will include appropriate signposting information.
What will happen once I have reported an instance of sexual harassment?
Once an incident is reported to AberSU we will take a full account of the incident(s)
including:
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the time, date and location in which the incident(s) occurred
a detailed description of the incident(s) in the words of the victim
the desired outcome of submitting a report (whether it simply be to flag an incident
to target behaviour or seek appropriate action against those considered responsible)
Where a complaint relates to activities or premises which belong to AberSU we may
investigate and act where appropriate using the AberSU Disciplinary Procedure. Therefore,
we may need to contact the individual(s) considered responsible, however the victim will
never be pressured into any mediation or being in the same room as those considered
responsible.
All reports will be logged by the AberSU and will analyse data periodically to identify,
highlight and work with Full-time Officers to appropriately respond to trends on campus or
in the local community. No data which identifies the victim or those considered responsible
will be included in this analysis, instead where support is requested or a complaint made the
relevant processes will record this information i.e. a client casefile or complaint letter.
What are the consequences of breaching this policy?
AberSU has a zero-tolerance stance to sexual harassment. Individuals engaging in sexual
harassment risk being taken through the AberSU and/or Aberystwyth University disciplinary
procedures and could face sanctions which can include:
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A caution or formal warning
Suspension from all AberSU activity
Expulsion from Students’ Union membership
Where criminal proceedings are deemed appropriate and the matter is reported to the police
by the victim, the criminal proceedings take precedence over AberSU disciplinary
procedures. In this case, action by AberSU will be considered upon completion of criminal
investigation by the police.
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What can the university do?
If the issue cannot be resolved internally by AberSU, it may be appropriate (at the discretion
of the individual reporting the incident) to notify Aberystwyth University. This will be dealt
with by the University’s Rules and Regulations, which may include the use of the Student
Complaints Procedure and/or Student Disciplinary Procedure.
Where can I go to for support if I have been subject to sexual harassment,
assault or rape?
There are a variety of roles, services and organisations that can support in the instance of
being subjected to sexual harassment for the purpose of directing you appropriately
organised these into those that can provide you with direct support, effective signposting or
external organisations.
Direct Support
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AberSU Advice Service
Aberystwyth University Student Support Services (including Advice, Information and
Health and Wellbeing Support)
Effective Signposting
Please be aware it is not necessarily the role of anyone below to advise on incident(s) of
sexual harassment however if you are unsure where to turn or feel uncomfortable bringing
up the subject directly they may be able to signpost you to direct support.
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AberSU Welfare Officer
Mentor (if appropriate)
Personal Tutor
Head of Department
Residence Life Assistant or Campus Life Manager (in Halls)
External Organisations
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West Wales Domestic Abuse Service
New Pathways (Mid Wales Rape Support Centre)
Rape Crisis
Survivors UK
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