Sexual Violence and Harassment
In an Emergency
If you are off campus, you should call 999 to reach any of the emergency services.
If you are on University premises, call Campus Security Team any time, 24/7 on 0141 330 4444
A Note from the University
We understand the importance of the university providing support to any member of our community who has been affected by sexual violence or assault. If you choose to speak to us, we will ensure that you are supported throughout the process.
It is entirely up to you what action you want to take if you have been affected; we just want to make sure you are clear about your options and are adequately supported throughout the process.
We understand that members of our community may choose not to speak to us and would therefore refer you to help from external sources. Find out more here.
What is sexual violence?
Sexual violence is defined as: "any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or advances, or acts to traffic, or otherwise directed, against a person’s sexuality using coercion, by any person regardless of their relationship to the victim, in any setting, including but not limited to home and work" (World Health Organisation).
Rape is when someone puts their penis into (penetrates) the vagina, anus or mouth of another person without their consent.
Assault by penetration is when someone puts another part of their body, or an object, into another person’s vagina or anus without that person’s consent.
Sexual assault is when someone touches another person in a sexual way, without that person’s consent.
Sexual harassment is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature, which violates a person's dignity, or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them. Examples of sexual harassment include:
- 'Banter', wolf-whistling or comments of a sexual nature
- Questions or jokes about a person's sex life
- Texts, messages or emails with content of a sexual nature
- Unwanted physical contact and touching
- Using sexual images without the subject's consent, e.g. posting images on social media
What is sexual consent?
To give sexual consent, a person must willingly and freely agree to engage in a sexual activity and be able to make their own decisions.
Remember:
- A person who is incapacitated by drugs or alcohol cannot give consent to sexual activity
- A person who is asleep or unconscious cannot give consent to sexual activity
- Agreeing to engage in one form of sexual activity, e.g. kissing, does not indicate consent to all forms of sexual activity
- Consent can be withdrawn at any time
- Giving consent to sexual activity once does not indicate consent to that activity in the future
- Someone who is forced to do something against their will is not giving consent
Sexual activity without consent is rape or sexual assault.
Sexual Consent: It's as simple as tea
Report Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Violence
Use the Report and Support form to tell us if you have been affected by sexual violence or harassment.
A member of our First Responder team will be in touch to offer support.
You may submit an anonymous report, but we will not be able to contact you to provide support, formally investigate or take disciplinary action.
The SRC facilitate student-led sexual violence prevention workshops in partnership with Rape Crisis Scotland.
Let's Talk About Sexual Violence workshops last 90 minutes and offer an opportunity for interactive discussion around consent, the impact of sexual violence, bystander intervention and building a supportive community for survivors.