Behaviour that isn’t right, and the crime you could be committing

1. Unwanted Touching or Groping

Example: A person touches someone’s thigh, bottom, or chest at a party despite them pulling away or saying no.
Offence: Sexual Assault (Sexual Offences Act 2003, Section 3)


2. Sexual Comments or Innuendos

Example: A colleague repeatedly makes explicit comments about another employee’s body or suggests they “must be good in bed.”
Offence: Sexual Harassment (Equality Act 2010); Public Order Act 1986 for persistent offensive comments in public.


3. Persistent Unwanted Advances

Example: A person repeatedly asks someone out or sends flirtatious messages after being explicitly told to stop.
Offence: Stalking or Harassment (Protection from Harassment Act 1997, Section 2)


4. Catcalling or Sexual Remarks in Public

Example: A group of people whistle, yell “sexy,” or make vulgar comments as a woman walks past.
Offence: Causing Harassment, Alarm, or Distress (Public Order Act 1986, Section 5)


5. Inappropriate Sexual Jokes

Example: Someone in a workplace meeting tells a sexually explicit joke, causing discomfort to others present.
Offence: Causing Harassment, Alarm, or Distress (Public Order Act 1986)


6. Exposing Oneself

Example: A person flashes their genitals in a park, intending to shock or alarm passersby.
Offence: Indecent Exposure (Sexual Offences Act 2003, Section 66)


7. Non-Consensual Sharing of Sexual Content

Example: Someone shares an intimate photo of their ex-partner in a group chat without their consent.
Offence: Revenge Porn (Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015, Section 33)


8. Coercion or Pressure

Example: A partner repeatedly guilt-trips or threatens to leave unless the other person agrees to sexual activity.
Offence: Sexual Assault (Sexual Offences Act 2003, Section 3)


9. Sexual Staring or Leering

Example: Someone stares intently at another person’s chest or body in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
Offence: Stalking or Harassment (Protection from Harassment Act 1997, Section 2)


10. Taking Advantage of Power Dynamics

Example: A manager suggests a promotion or favorable treatment in exchange for sexual favors.
Offence: Abuse of Position of Trust (Sexual Offences Act 2003, Sections 16–19)


11. Spreading Sexual Rumors

Example: A person starts a rumor that someone slept with their boss to get a promotion, harming their reputation.
Offence: Defamation (Civil action) or Harassment (Protection from Harassment Act 1997)


12. Voyeurism

Example: Someone hides a camera in a changing room or records another person undressing without consent.
Offence: Voyeurism (Sexual Offences Act 2003, Section 67)


13. Sexual Blackmail

Example: A person threatens to release explicit photos unless the victim agrees to meet their demands.
Offence: Blackmail (Theft Act 1968, Section 21)


14. Unwelcome Sexting or Digital Harassment

Example: Someone sends unsolicited explicit messages or photos via social media, even after being blocked.
Offence: Malicious Communications (Malicious Communications Act 1988, Section 1)


15. Sexualized Touching Under the Guise of Normal Interaction

Example: A person places their hand unnecessarily on someone’s lower back during a conversation.
Offence: Sexual Assault (Sexual Offences Act 2003, Section 3)


16. Following, Stalking, or Cornering

Example: A person follows someone home from work or corners them in an elevator, ignoring requests to back off.
Offence: Stalking or Harassment (Protection from Harassment Act 1997, Section 2A)


17. Making Sexual Threats

Example: Someone sends a message saying, “If you don’t meet me, I’ll make you regret it,” implying sexual violence.
Offence: Threats to Kill (Offences Against the Person Act 1861, Section 16); Harassment


18. Deliberately Exposing Someone to Sexual Content

Example: A colleague shows explicit videos to others in the workplace without consent.
Offence: Indecent Display of Images (Indecent Displays (Control) Act 1981)


19. Interfering with Someone’s Clothing

Example: Someone snaps a bra strap or lifts a skirt as a “joke,” causing distress.
Offence: Sexual Assault (Sexual Offences Act 2003, Section 3)


20. Drug- or Alcohol-Facilitated Assault

Example: A person spikes someone’s drink at a bar, making them incapable of consenting to sexual activity.
Offence: Administering a Substance with Intent (Sexual Offences Act 2003, Section 61)


21. Inappropriate Questions or Probing

Example: An interviewer asks a job candidate intrusive, sexually suggestive questions about their personal life.
Offence: Sexual Harassment (Equality Act 2010)


22. Deliberate Obstruction of Consent

Example: A person ignores verbal refusals or removes a condom without the other person’s knowledge or consent (stealthing).
Offence: Rape or Sexual Assault (Sexual Offences Act 2003, Sections 1–3)


23. Retaliation for Rejecting Advances

Example: After rejecting advances, a person spreads false rumors or undermines the victim’s credibility at work.
Offence: Harassment (Protection from Harassment Act 1997)


24. Making Sexual Contact with Someone Incapacitated

Example: A person engages in sexual activity with someone who is unconscious or too intoxicated to give consent.
Offence: Rape or Assault by Penetration (Sexual Offences Act 2003, Sections 1–2)