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)