What is gender-based violence?

What is gender-based violence?

Gender based violence is an issue that our universities and colleges are concerned about.Research suggests that as many as 1 in 4 female students experience unwanted sexual behaviour during their studies. Colleges and universities are working to prevent gender based violence and we want to encourage people to make disclosures and ensure they receive the support they want. 

By ‘gender based violence’ we mean a spectrum of behaviour that starts with objectification and unwanted comments and includes intimidation, harassment, domestic abuse, physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault, rape and murder. The term also includes commercial sexual exploitation and so called 'honour-based' violence, including female genital mutilation, forced marriages and 'honour' crimes.

Scotland uses the term gender based violence because women and girls are much more likely to experience it as a result of continued inequality in our society. However, the term is not exclusive of other people. It does recognise that men and the LGBTQIA+ community can be victims too.

What is Domestic Abuse?

Recognising Domestic Abuse:

Women's Aid defines "domestic abuse as an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence, in the majority of cases by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer. It is very common. In the vast majority of cases it is experienced by women and is perpetrated by men.
Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to, the following:
Any form of sexual misconduct, assault or harassment is never okay. 

If you think you have been the target of sexual misconduct, assault or harassment, it may be hard to know what to do or how to feel. What happened was not your fault. What you do next is your choice. 
Think:
  • Are you in immediate danger? If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured, you can contact the emergency services on 999 (or 112 if in another country).
  • Find a safe space.  If an incident has just happened try and find somewhere you feel safe. 
  • What are sexual misconduct and assault?  It might be useful to think about what is meant by bullying and harassment and how these behaviours are described.  
Report:
  • Report and Support. Students and staff can report an incident using the College's Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can request support from an advisor. If you choose to talk to a Student Advisor they will be able to talk through the options and support available to you, in confidence.
  • If you choose to make a formal complaint to the College about a student or member of staff there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow.

 

  • Find out more on the support available for mental health and wellbeing.
  • Take care of yourself. It’s important that you take care of yourself. If you’ve heard something distressing or if something is troubling you, the College's Student Counselling Service offers confidential help and is open to students.  Staff can access support via MyConnect. 
Sexual misconduct or assault are never okay. We condemn unacceptable behaviour, including all forms of harassment under the Equality Act 2010 and criminal law. 

Sexual Misconduct 
Sexual misconduct is a form of harassment and is unacceptable behaviour of a sexual nature. It can include: sexual harassment; sexual violence; intimate partner violence; sexual assault; grooming; coercion or bullying with sexual elements; sexual invitations and demands; comments; non-verbal communication; creation of atmospheres of discomfort; and promised resources or advancement in exchange for sexual access.

The term ‘sexual harassment’ captures only some of the possible abuses of power that may occur. Sexual misconduct more specifically raises issues of unequal relationships, consent, and the prevention of equal access to education, opportunities and career progression. 
 
Sexual assault
Sexual assault is a criminal offence and contrary to the university policies and procedures.  A person commits sexual assault if they intentionally touch another person, the touching is sexual and the person does not consent. 
 
It involves all unwanted physical contact of a sexual nature and ranges from pinching, embracing, groping and kissing, to rape and sexual assault which involves penetration without consent. 
 
Consent is agreeing by choice and having the freedom and capacity to make that choice. 
A person is free to make a choice if nothing bad would happen to them if they said no. 
Capacity is about whether someone is physically and/or mentally able to make a choice and to understand the consequences of that choice. 
 
 
Sexual harassment
Sexual harassment is unwanted and unwelcome words, conduct, or behaviour of a sexual nature that has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, embarrassing, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for the recipient. It is a misuse of personal or institutional power and often based on a person’s gender although it is rarely about sexual desire. 

For the purpose of this policy whether or not the harasser intended to be offensive is irrelevant. The limit of acceptable behaviour as described by this policy is up to the recipient to decide. A single incident or persistent behaviour can amount to harassment. 

Sexual harassment can range from behaviour that stems from obvious to anyone or subtler behaviour less obvious to either the person responsible for the behaviour or to the recipient. Often the impact is not felt or witnessed immediately. The impact may go beyond the recipient to people who see or hear what happens or who try to offer support.

Sexual harassment can include but is not limited to: catcalling, following, making unnecessary and unwanted physical contact, sexual jokes and comments, giving unwelcome personal gifts, wolf-whistling, leering, derogatory comments, unwelcome comments about a person’s body or clothing, unwelcome questions about a person’s sex life and/or sexuality, engaging in unwelcome sexual propositions, invitations and flirtation, making somebody feel uncomfortable through displaying or sharing sexual material. Sexual harassment does not necessarily occur face to face and can be in the form of emails, visual images (such as sexually explicit pictures on walls in a shared environment), social media, telephone, text messages and image based sexual abuse, such as revenge porn and upskirting. 
What can you do?
Talk - If someone you know has been affected, you can encourage them to seek support. Alternatively you make an anonymous disclosure which will allow us to investigate if there are multiple instances in one area.
Seek Support - There are a number of specialist organisations that provide specialist support, including counselling for those affected by harassment. You could encourage the individual to reach out to such support. 
A list of organisations can be found here
The information you give us will be shared with a small group of College staff from Student Experience, and Human Resources areas who will assess how best the College can respond. The content of the form will be accessible only to a very limited group of staff. Information regarding staff will be directed to the HR Managers for an appropriate response. 

 
Support for Staff 
  • Human Resources- you may wish to contact a member of the HR team for confidential help, support and advice. Contact details for the team can be found by clicking on this link- Human Resources. The HR team can also discuss an Occupational Health referral if appropriate. 
  • Management support- you may want to consider approaching your line manager (unless the matter directly relates to them), or the next level of management. 
  • PAM Assist-Employee Assistance Programme The service helps individuals by providing emotional support through telephone and face to face counselling, as well as providing information and access to specialist advice through the PAM Assist website. Staff can contact PAM Assist directly, or the HR can make a referral on their behalf. 
  • Information on all staff Wellbeing resources can be found on the My Connect Wellbeing pages. Further information can be found on My Fife Wellbeing pages. 
  • For any concerns around the health and safety of an individual within the College premises, advice can be provided by the Guidance team, further information can be found here. 

Sexual Misconduct

Any form of sexual misconduct, assault or harassment is never okay.

Sexual Misconduct 
Sexual misconduct is a form of harassment and is unacceptable behaviour of a sexual nature. It can include: sexual harassment; sexual violence; intimate partner violence; sexual assault; grooming; coercion or bullying with sexual elements; sexual invitations and demands; comments; non-verbal communication; creation of atmospheres of discomfort; and promised resources or advancement in exchange for sexual access.

The term ‘sexual harassment’ captures only some of the possible abuses of power that may occur. Sexual misconduct more specifically raises issues of unequal relationships, consent, and the prevention of equal access to education, opportunities and career progression. 
 
Sexual assault
Sexual assault is a criminal offence and contrary to the university grievance and disciplinary procedures. A person commits sexual assault if they intentionally touch another person, the touching is sexual and the person does not consent. 
 
It involves all unwanted physical contact of a sexual nature and ranges from pinching, embracing, groping and kissing, to rape and sexual assault which involves penetration without consent. 
 
Consent is agreeing by choice and having the freedom and capacity to make that choice. 
A person is free to make a choice if nothing bad would happen to them if they said no. 
Capacity is about whether someone is physically and/or mentally able to make a choice and to understand the consequences of that choice. 
 
 
Sexual harassment
Sexual harassment is unwanted and unwelcome words, conduct, or behaviour of a sexual nature that has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, embarrassing, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for the recipient. It is a misuse of personal or institutional power and often based on a person’s gender although it is rarely about sexual desire. 

For the purpose of this policy whether or not the harasser intended to be offensive is irrelevant. The limit of acceptable behaviour as described by this policy is up to the recipient to decide. A single incident or persistent behaviour can amount to harassment. 

Sexual harassment can range from behaviour that stems from obvious to anyone or subtler behaviour less obvious to either the person responsible for the behaviour or to the recipient. Often the impact is not felt or witnessed immediately. The impact may go beyond the recipient to people who see or hear what happens or who try to offer support.

Sexual harassment can include but is not limited to: catcalling, following, making unnecessary and unwanted physical contact, sexual jokes and comments, giving unwelcome personal gifts, wolf-whistling, leering, derogatory comments, unwelcome comments about a person’s body or clothing, unwelcome questions about a person’s sex life and/or sexuality, engaging in unwelcome sexual propositions, invitations and flirtation, making somebody feel uncomfortable through displaying or sharing sexual material. Sexual harassment does not necessarily occur face to face and can be in the form of emails, visual images (such as sexually explicit pictures on walls in a shared environment), social media, telephone, text messages and image based sexual abuse, such as revenge porn and upskirting. 

If you think you have been the target of sexual misconduct, assault or harassment, it may be hard to know what to do or how to feel. What happened was not your fault. What you do next is your choice. 
Any form of sexual misconduct, assault or harassment is never okay. 

If you think you have been the target of sexual misconduct, assault or harassment, it may be hard to know what to do or how to feel. What happened was not your fault. What you do next is your choice. 
Such forms of unacceptable behaviour are contrary to the Equality Act 2010 and the College  Work and Study Policies.
Think:
  • Are you in immediate danger? If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured, you can contact the emergency services on 999 (or 112 if in another country).
  • Find a safe space.  If an incident has just happened try and find somewhere you feel safe. 
  • What are sexual misconduct and assault?  It might be useful to think about what is meant by bullying and harassment and how these behaviours are described.  
Report:
  • Report and Support. Students and staff can report an incident using the College's Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can request support from an advisor. If you choose to talk to a Student Advisor they will be able to talk through the options and support available to you, in confidence.
  • College Procedure. If you choose to make a formal complaint to the College about a student or member of staff there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow.
Get Support:
  • Find out about the wide range of support available.
  • On-campus support is available from Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis. A Support Worker is available in the College every Monday. To access the service, contact reportandsupport@cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk. 

 

  • Find out more on the support available for mental health and wellbeing.
  • Take care of yourself. It’s important that you take care of yourself. If you’ve heard something distressing or if something is troubling you, the College's Student Counselling Service offers confidential help and is open to students.  Staff can access support via MyConnect. 
Sexual misconduct or assault are never okay. We condemn unacceptable behaviour, including all forms of harassment under the Equality Act 2010 and criminal law. 

Sexual Misconduct 
Sexual misconduct is a form of harassment and is unacceptable behaviour of a sexual nature. It can include: sexual harassment; sexual violence; intimate partner violence; sexual assault; grooming; coercion or bullying with sexual elements; sexual invitations and demands; comments; non-verbal communication; creation of atmospheres of discomfort; and promised resources or advancement in exchange for sexual access.

The term ‘sexual harassment’ captures only some of the possible abuses of power that may occur. Sexual misconduct more specifically raises issues of unequal relationships, consent, and the prevention of equal access to education, opportunities and career progression. 
 
Sexual assault
Sexual assault is a criminal offence and contrary to the university policies and procedures.  A person commits sexual assault if they intentionally touch another person, the touching is sexual and the person does not consent. 
 
It involves all unwanted physical contact of a sexual nature and ranges from pinching, embracing, groping and kissing, to rape and sexual assault which involves penetration without consent. 
 
Consent is agreeing by choice and having the freedom and capacity to make that choice. 
A person is free to make a choice if nothing bad would happen to them if they said no. 
Capacity is about whether someone is physically and/or mentally able to make a choice and to understand the consequences of that choice. 
 
 
Sexual harassment
Sexual harassment is unwanted and unwelcome words, conduct, or behaviour of a sexual nature that has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, embarrassing, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for the recipient. It is a misuse of personal or institutional power and often based on a person’s gender although it is rarely about sexual desire. 

For the purpose of this policy whether or not the harasser intended to be offensive is irrelevant. The limit of acceptable behaviour as described by this policy is up to the recipient to decide. A single incident or persistent behaviour can amount to harassment. 

Sexual harassment can range from behaviour that stems from obvious to anyone or subtler behaviour less obvious to either the person responsible for the behaviour or to the recipient. Often the impact is not felt or witnessed immediately. The impact may go beyond the recipient to people who see or hear what happens or who try to offer support.

Sexual harassment can include but is not limited to: catcalling, following, making unnecessary and unwanted physical contact, sexual jokes and comments, giving unwelcome personal gifts, wolf-whistling, leering, derogatory comments, unwelcome comments about a person’s body or clothing, unwelcome questions about a person’s sex life and/or sexuality, engaging in unwelcome sexual propositions, invitations and flirtation, making somebody feel uncomfortable through displaying or sharing sexual material. Sexual harassment does not necessarily occur face to face and can be in the form of emails, visual images (such as sexually explicit pictures on walls in a shared environment), social media, telephone, text messages and image based sexual abuse, such as revenge porn and upskirting. 
What can you do?
Talk - If someone you know has been affected, you can encourage them to seek support. Alternatively you make an anonymous disclosure which will allow us to investigate if there are multiple instances in one area.
Seek Support - There are a number of specialist organisations that provide specialist support, including counselling for those affected by harassment. You could encourage the individual to reach out to such support. 
A list of organisations can be found here
The information you give us will be shared with a small group of College staff from Student Experience, and Human Resources areas who will assess how best the College can respond. The content of the form will be accessible only to a very limited group of staff. Information regarding staff will be directed to the HR Managers for an appropriate response. 

 
Support for Staff 
  • Human Resources- you may wish to contact a member of the HR team for confidential help, support and advice. Contact details for the team can be found by clicking on this link- Human Resources. The HR team can also discuss an Occupational Health referral if appropriate. 
  • Management support- you may want to consider approaching your line manager (unless the matter directly relates to them), or the next level of management. 
  • PAM Assist-Employee Assistance Programme The service helps individuals by providing emotional support through telephone and face to face counselling, as well as providing information and access to specialist advice through the PAM Assist website. Staff can contact PAM Assist directly, or the HR can make a referral on their behalf. 
  • Information on all staff Wellbeing resources can be found on the My Connect Wellbeing pages. Further information can also be provided by the College Wellbeing Officer, contact details can be found here. 
  • For any concerns around the health and safety if an individual within the College premises (for example hazards, risk assessments etc) advice can be provided by the Health & Safety team, further information can be found here.