Sexual Harassment & Violence

Sexual Harassment and Violence

ATU Sligo promotes an environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, however students may experience sexual harassment and violence in their lives on or off campus.

Sexual harassment refers to any form of unwanted verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature which has the purpose, or effect, of violating a person’s dignity and creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for the person. It can take different forms which are often based on gender or sexual orientation and is a form of sexual violence. It includes:

• sexist hostility – being treated differently because of your sex • sexual hostility – repeatedly being told sexual stories or jokes • harassments via electronic communications

• unwanted efforts to establish a sexual relationship despite efforts to discourage it Sexual violence occurs when there is non-consent and means any sexual act or attempt to obtain a sexual act by violence or coercion. Verbal pressure, intoxication or use of force are tactics used in perpetrating sexual violence. Should you experience sexual harassment or violence, regardless of where it occurs, or by whom, we are there to support and help you. Your first point of contact in relation to a recent incident will be our Student Health Services www.atu.ie/sligohealth-services