Recognising and understanding inappropriate sexual behaviour is crucial, as it can occur anywhere and at any time. It can include: 

Sexual violence

Sexual violence encompasses acts that range from verbal harassment to forced penetration, and an array of types of coercion, from social pressure and intimidation to physical force.

Sexual misconduct

Sexual misconduct describes a range of behaviours including sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, voyeurism and any other conduct of a sexual nature that is non consensual or has the purpose or effect of threatening, intimidating, undermining, humiliating or coercing a person.

Sexual assault

Sexual assault is any sexual act that a person did not consent to, or is forced into against their will. It is a form of sexual violence and includes rape, or other sexual offences, such as groping, forced kissing, child sexual abuse, or the torture of a person in a sexual manner.

Sexual harassment

Sexual harassment occurs when a person engages in unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that has the purpose or effect of violating someone’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them.

Examples of sexual harassment can include:

• sexual comments or jokes
• displaying sexually graphic pictures, posters or photos
• suggestive looks, staring or leering
• intrusive questions about a person’s private or sex life, and discussing your own sex life

Other behaviours deemed unacceptable

Verbal and written

• Sexually explicit comments – making inappropriate remarks about someone's body, clothing, or appearance.  
• Sexual jokes or innuendos – telling crude jokes or making suggestive comments that create discomfort.  
• Unwanted flirtation – persistently making romantic or sexual advances despite rejection.  
• Sexual invitations – pressuring or repeatedly asking a colleague on dates despite refusals  
• Inappropriate comments about personal life – Asking intrusive questions about someone’s sex life or relationships.  
• Sexually suggestive nicknames – calling co-workers pet names like "babe," "sexy," or "hot stuff".  
• “Whistling or catcalling – making unwanted noises or gestures directed at a co-worker.  
• Describing sexual fantasies – discussing explicit personal thoughts or scenarios involving co-workers. 
• Threats or Quid Pro Quo – Suggesting promotions, raises, or benefits in exchange for sexual favours
• Spreading rumours about a person’s sex life 

Non-verbal

• Looking someone’s body up and down
• Derogatory facial expressions of a sexual nature
• Whistling or sexual gestures
• Genital exposure and masturbation

Physical

• Frequently following a person or standing too close to them
• Inappropriate touching of a person – massaging, stroking or rubbing
• Purposely brushing up against someone
• Unwanted or coercive and intimidating sexual conduct

Visual

• Displaying sexually explicit objects and posters of naked people or suggestive images
• Showing or sending people sexually explicit text messages and images
• Sharing personal or naked images of self or another person

Virtual

• Sending or sharing explicit messages, images or videos – sending inappropriate or sexually suggestive texts, emails, or chat messages. 
• Unwanted sexual advances Online – persistently flirting, making romantic propositions, or pressuring a colleague for virtual dates. 
• Sexual comments in virtual meetings – making inappropriate remarks about someone’s appearance or engaging in suggestive behaviour on video calls. 
• Exposing oneself on video calls – appearing inappropriately dressed or engaging in lewd behaviour during virtual meetings. 
• Using work platforms for sexual harassment – misusing internal communication tools (e.g., Slack, Teams, Zoom) to send unwanted sexual content or messages. 
• Misusing social media – contacting staff outside of work and making sexually inappropriate comments / sharing inappropriate selfies, videos, or GIFs with suggestive or sexual undertones.