The UK’s Latest Sexual Harassment Law & How It Protects You
Sexual harassment remains a significant issue, affecting countless women in workplaces, public spaces, and online. If you are currently experiencing or worried about sexual harassment, it is essential to understand your rights and the legal protections available to you. Recent changes to UK law have strengthened protections against sexual harassment, ensuring that employers are now legally required to take proactive measures to prevent it. Knowing how the law defines sexual harassment and what steps you can take to protect yourself can be incredibly empowering. You are not alone, and there are clear legal pathways to ensure your safety and hold perpetrators accountable. What is sexual harassment? Sexual harassment is a form of unlawful discrimination defined under the Equality Act 2010. It refers to unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that violates an individual’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment. This can include: Verbal harassment – such as inappropriate sexual remarks, comments about your appearance, or unwanted sexual advances. Non-verbal harassment – such as sexually suggestive gestures, whistling, or inappropriate sharing of sexual content. Physical harassment – including unwanted touching, groping, or any form of physical intimidation. The key factor in determining whether behaviour constitutes harassment is how it is perceived by the person experiencing it. If it makes you feel uncomfortable, threatened, or degraded, it may be considered harassment under the law. What Has Changed in UK Law? The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 came into force on 26 October 2024. This landmark change strengthens protections by placing a new legal duty on employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. Key changes include: Proactive employer responsibility: Employers must actively prevent sexual harassment rather than just responding to complaints. If they fail to do so, they could face legal consequences. Increased compensation: If an employer is found to have failed in their duty to prevent sexual harassment, any compensation awarded in an employment tribunal can now be increased by up to 25%. Holding employers accountable: Employers are now responsible not only for harassment by colleagues but also by clients, customers, and contractors, ensuring safer workplaces for all employees. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has also updated its guidance, urging organisations to identify risks and take preventative measures rather than waiting for incidents to occur. This marks a significant shift in how sexual harassment must be handled within UK workplaces. Baroness Kishwer Falkner, Chair of the EHRC, reinforced this by stating: “Sexual harassment remains widespread and often under-reported. Employers must take active steps to protect their staff from such behaviour.” Similarly, employment law expert Lucy Lewis highlighted the significance of this cultural shift: “The new duty represents a significant shift in culture. Executives can no longer take a ‘helicopter overview’ of the risks and remain removed from operational details.” Why ‘Consent’ Matters Understanding consent is essential because many forms of harassment involve a disregard for personal boundaries and an assumption of entitlement over another person’s body or space. I have written extensively about consent, its legal definitions, and why it is crucial for women’s safety in my blog Consent: The Line that Separates Sex From Rape and Sexual Violence. In short, consent means agreeing freely and willingly to an action, without coercion, pressure, or fear. However, I invite you to read the full article for more in-depth information and clarification on this crucial aspect of women’s personal safety. What Can You Do if You Are Facing Sexual Harassment? If you are experiencing sexual harassment, you do not have to endure it alone. The law is designed to protect you, and there are clear steps you can take: Document everything. Keep a record of every incident, including dates, times, locations, and any witnesses. Save messages, emails, or any evidence that could support your case. Speak to someone you trust. Talk to a friend, family member, or colleague for support. Seeking external advice can help you feel empowered to take action. Report the behaviour. If the harassment occurs in the workplace, report it to your employer or HR department. Your employer is now legally required to take action to prevent harassment and investigate any reported incident of sexual harassment. Seek professional support. Women’s rights, or women’s support organisations, legal services, and Citizens Advice can provide guidance on your next steps and offer confidential legal advice. Take legal action if necessary. If your employer fails to address the harassment, you have the right to file a claim in an employment tribunal. A legal expert can help you navigate this process to hold those responsible to account. It is crucial to know that you are not powerless. The law is evolving to better protect women, ensuring that sexual harassment is no longer ignored or dismissed. For further women’s safety advice, covering a multitude of subjects, please read my book NEVER A VICTIM, the most comprehensive guide to women’s safety published to date. And whatever you do and where you are, trust your instincts.
The Best Safety Tips for Female Students Starting College or University
Starting college or university is an exciting milestone, filled with new opportunities and the promise of independence. However, for many young women and female students, this transition can also bring anxiety, particularly with stories of campus-related dangers circulating in the media. While colleges and universities are generally safe environments, it’s essential to equip yourself with knowledge and strategies to stay safe. This article offers practical personal safety tips for female students and also their parents, blending helpful insights from leading safety organisations with relevant statistics from the UK, USA, and Australia: USA: According to RAINN (the largest anti-sexual violence organisation in the United States), female students are at a particularly high risk, with 26.4% of undergraduate women reporting some form of sexual assault during their college years. UK: A 2023 survey by Revolt Sexual Assault found that 62% of UK university students and recent graduates experienced sexual violence during their studies, and only 10% reported these incidents to their institutions. Australia: The Australian Human Rights Commission’s 2021 report revealed that 1 in 6 students were sexually harassed in a university setting, with 1 in 20 experiencing sexual assault. While these statistics can be a little daunting, they highlight the importance of proactive safety measures and open conversations about personal safety for female students. Personal Safety for Female Students Starts With Awareness Your situational and environmental awareness is arguably your most powerful tool for personal safety. Being mindful of your surroundings, recognising how situations and conditions can change (sometimes within a single second), understanding potential risks, and knowing how to respond can significantly reduce your chances of becoming a victim of physical or sexual crime. In addition to staying aware, the following recommendations are well worth your attention: Trust Your Instincts Your intuition is your first line of defence. If a situation feels off, trust your intuition, your instinct, your gut feeling, and remove yourself from it. Whether it’s declining an invitation that doesn’t feel right, stepping away from a conversation that makes you uncomfortable, or leaving a location that simply has the wrong vibe, listening to your instincts, your gut feeling, is absolutely vital. Know Your Surroundings Familiarise yourself with campus layouts, including emergency exits, security offices, well-lit areas, and any other safe spaces. Universities often have safety maps highlighting blue-light emergency phones and CCTV-monitored zones. Make it a habit to plan your route when walking late at night and stick to well-lit and well-trafficked areas. Understand Consent and Boundaries Consent is a crucial topic for all students. In my book “NEVER A VICTIM – The Definitive Guide to Women’s Safety” I make it very clear what consent in above context means: “What distinguishes consensual sex or gestures of affection from sexual assault is consent. Sexual consent is a free, voluntary, and informed agreement between you and another person to participate in a sexual act. It must be clearly and freely communicated. Remember, you cannot give consent if you are underage, intoxicated, incapacitated by drugs or alcohol, asleep, or unconscious. If you find yourself agreeing to an activity under pressure, intimidation, or threat, that is not true consent because it was not given freely. Be aware that unequal power dynamics, such as those between you and an employer or teacher, also invalidate consent, as it cannot be freely given in these situations. Consent is all about clear communication, and you have the right to withdraw it at any point if you feel uncomfortable. While verbally withdrawing your consent can sometimes be challenging, you can also use non-verbal cues, such as showing discomfort, to withdraw your consent.” Parents should ensure their daughters understand the importance of clear boundaries in personal and social interactions. Universities often host workshops and resources on this subject, which can be valuable for students. Practical Tips for Staying Safe at College or University Buddy Systems and Check-Ins Establish a “buddy system” with friends. Whether attending a party, heading home from the library, or going for a jog, having someone who knows your whereabouts can be a lifesaver. Regular check-ins via text or a quick phone call can provide peace of mind. Smart Use of Technology Technology can be both a risk and a safety tool. On the positive side: Use campus safety apps or any reputable personal safety apps, which allows you to easily and quickly share your location with trusted contacts or alert authorities in an emergency. Enable location-sharing features with close friends or family on apps like WhatsApp, Find My iPhone, or Google Maps. Be cautious about oversharing personal information on social media, which could expose your location or routine to the wrong audience. Again, technology has enabled us to communicate easier with each other and quickly call for help, however, I urge you to read my article on ‘technology-enabled abuse’, preventing you from falling victim to any related criminal offences, or, find effective solution in case you are currently experiencing such abuse. Alcohol Awareness Alcohol is regretably often a factor in campus assaults. If drinking, try and pace yourself and know your limits. Don’t allow others to bully you into excessive drinking, and be aware that some might use manipulative tactics such as repeatedely offering you a free drink or extra shot. And we all will know by now, never leave your drink unattended, and if possible, opt for pre-opened or bottled beverages, or purchase one of these effective, versatile, drink covers/protectors. Stick with friends and look out for each other in all social settings. For more in-depth advice on drink spiking and alcohol awareness please visit the UK’s Drinkaware website. However, I will be writing a dedicated article about this subject shortly — so, please visit my blog again soon. Make Use of Campus Resources Many colleges and universities offer several useful resources such as: Campus Security: Most institutions have security teams available 24/7 to escort students or respond to incidents. Counselling Services: For emotional support, counselling services can provide a safe space to talk about fears or incidents. Sexual Abuse,
Warning Signs of an Abusive Relationship: Your Checklist
The following list of warning signs of an abusive relationship are especially important if you are unsure about your date, your new relationship, or whether your current relationship has taken a worrisome turn. Of course, there are the more obvious signs of abuse, such as verbal threats and physical violence. However, many have expressed concerns or uncertainty, telling me they were unsure whether certain actions or behaviours should be considered abusive or toxic. This brief article is highlighting several warning signs of an abusive relationship. I have put this checklist together with you in mind and will attempt to highlight some of the more cunning, but equally important signs of an abusive and unhealthy relationship. Whether you’ve recently started dating, your relationship has taken a discouraging turn, or you’re noticing behaviours that feel unsettling, this article aims to provide clarity. When it comes to your safety and well-being, it’s most certainly important to err on the side of caution. It’s equally important to periodically assess both new and long-established relationships for troubling behaviours. 18 Warning Signs of an Abusive Relationship: Disregarding the Word ‘No’ This is, hands down, the number one question: does your date or partner respect your boundaries? If you say no—to a drink, to a kiss, to staying out longer, or even to something as simple as a movie or song choice—does he listen? Or does he casually override your objections, perhaps with a smile to make it seem less wrong? A man who does not take ‘no’ for an answer is not respecting your autonomy and can be displaying manipulative behaviour. This is not about manners or politeness; this is about basic respect. If he does not take ‘no’ for an answer, then walk away. Respecting boundaries is non-negotiable. Every time your ‘no’ is dismissed, it undermines your ability to feel safe and respected within the relationship. Recognise this as a red flag that may indicate further controlling behaviour in the future. Gaslighting Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation to make you question your sanity or perception. Examples: Denial of events or conversations. Accusations of overreaction on your part. Shift of blame onto you. Withholding of important information. If you find yourself constantly questioning your sanity or saying sorry for everything, then it is time to re-evaluate this relationship. Gaslighting undermines confidence and self-determination. Over time, it can make you feel dependent on the very person causing the harm as you may begin to doubt your ability to explore life independently. Typecasting Typecasting is labelling you so that you must prove the label wrong. Example: “You’re unadventurous” as a way of forcing you into doing something you don’t want to do. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone. Your boundaries are more important than someone else’s opinion. Giving in to this usually means you compromise your values or safety, so prioritise your comfort and decisions. Loan Sharking This involves offering unsolicited help to make you feel indebted. For example: fixing something for you and then expecting a favour in return. Healthy relationships don’t rely on transactional dynamics. Genuine kindness doesn’t come with strings attached. Loan sharking creates a power imbalance where you feel obligated to repay favours, often at the cost of your comfort or safety. This is a tactic often used to establish control under the guise of generosity. Love Bombing Love bombing is most certainly something to watch out for on a date or at an early stage in the relationship. This is smothering you with excessive attention, gifts, or flattery with the goal of quickly gaining one’s trust and/or love. Love bombing is almost always followed by control or abuse. While it may seem flattering at first, love bombing is many times manipulative and unsustainable. It puts you in a position where you believe you need to return the excessively strong feelings of love, even if those feelings feel suffocating or untrue. Disregard for Your Privacy A healthy relationship respects your need for space. If your partner continues to invade your personal time or privacy, that could be possessiveness and a lack of boundaries. This may be in the form of going through your belongings, checking messages, and insisting on being part of everything in your life. Pressure to Commit Quickly Rushing into commitment—be that by moving in together, getting engaged, or making joint decisions in an already established relationship—is a way to cut your time short to consider the relationship critically. Take your time and trust your instincts. A partner who respects you will understand the need to move at a pace that feels right for both of you. Refusal to Apologise Everyone makes mistakes, but a partner who refuses to apologise or admit fault is not taking accountability. Most of the time, this is indicative of entitlement and an inability to empathise. A refusal to apologise does not just tear down trust; it shows complete disregard for your feelings and the well-being of the relationship. Mocking or Belittling Your Goals Is your date or partner belittling your goals, passions, or achievements? That’s a method to make you doubt your confidence to feel less competent or independent. If it keeps happening for too long, your growth will be retarded, and this will make you doubt your potentials, which again facilitates their control. A supportive partner celebrates your success and encourages the fulfilment of your potentials. Jealousy A little jealousy may seem harmless, but when excessive, it’s a red flag. Jealousy can go from an insecure display to a manipulative and controlling tool in no time. Watch out for these patterns: no good relationship is based on suspicion but rather on trust. You are constantly proving your loyalty, and this could leave you emotionally drained, detached from your support system. Warning signs include the following: Monitoring your every move. Expecting you to respond immediately to texts and calls. Controlling your social media content. Isolating you from family and friends. Blaming you for their jealousy or insecurity. Using intimidation or threats
What is Personal Safety?
Answering the question, What is personal safety?, is undoubtedly worthwhile. Personal safety represents the ability and right to live without threat or fear of psychological, emotional, or physical harm perpetrated by others. It has emerged as a key feature of human security, with great ramifications for individuals and social cohesion in general. Generally speaking, personal safety is defined in broad terms as liberty from physical harm, threat of physical harm, and liberty from hostility, aggression, and harassment. It is often expressed that personal safety is a matter of common sense, but common sense is not always translated into common practice. The disparity between the two underlines the importance of education, awareness, and strategies that are actionable to protect oneself. It also shows the need for change within society, whereby communities as a whole learn to place safety as one of the shared values. Defining Personal Safety I personally very much like the research piece titled Personal Safety on University Campuses – Defining Personal Safety Using the Delphi Method,in which Joanna Waters, Richard Neale, Sue Hutson, and Kevin Mears of the University of Glamorgan defined personal safety as “an individual’s ability to go about their everyday life free from the threat or fear of psychological, emotional, or physical harm from others.” This definition underlines not just physical safety but also emotional and psychological security, an increasingly critical consideration in modern society. Similarly, the World Health Organization identifies safety as a determinant of health and well-being. According to them “…safety is not merely the absence of violence but the presence of conditions that promote security, trust, and freedom from fear.” These perspectives provide a comprehensive framework for understanding personal safety in today’s increasingly complex and interrelated and integrated world. The Role of Situational and Environmental Awareness Personal safety pertains to situational and environmental awareness: the art of being observant and aware of one’s particular situation and environment. It allows the individual to identify any potential danger, make sound judgements, and take necessary actions to minimise the risk. It is an attitude and a skill that develops and improves with practice and learning. Principles of personal safety are: Trust your instincts: If you think something feels ‘off’—if you feel uneasy or scared, rely on your instinctive gut response. They are too often your initial defence. As Gavin de Becker, author of The Gift of Fear: Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence, astutely writes, “It’s always right in at least two ways: it’s in response to something, and it has your best interest at heart.” Developing a close relationship with your intuition is essential in making timely and protective decisions. Be Aware: Be aware of your surroundings and the people in them, while projecting confidence. Know your environment and travel plans, as this knowledge can prevent becoming a victim. Know where the nearest exits are, allowing you to leave the area quickly if needed. Something as simple as walking with a purpose or maintaining steady eye contact with others can show that you are ready and aware; this can deter a potential attacker. Avoid Unnecessary Risks: Minimise your exposure to potentially dangerous situations by making thoughtful choices. For instance, choose well-lit routes, avoid isolated areas, and keep trusted individuals informed of your whereabouts. Pay attention to environmental factors such as available exits, crowded spaces, or areas with limited visibility, as these can significantly influence your ability to respond to threats. While it is impossible to eliminate all risks to personal safety, taking proactive steps to mitigate them can greatly enhance your sense of security and preparedness. Acting Under Danger: In the case of a threatening situation, try escaping instead of fighting if possible. Fighting back any aggression with aggression usually makes it escalate further and increases the likelihood of injury. You must make your objective to safely get away as fast as possible in such situations. Advance preparation and practice of confident responses can facilitate clear and assured action under the pressure of immediacy. But in those situations where there is no escape and the threat is imminent and life-threatening, one has to make surefooted and resolute action. At that moment, I want you to summon all your strength and willpower to neutralise the threat. For one brief, critical moment, allow yourself to set aside your inhibitions and moral code and use whatever force necessary to survive and create an opportunity to safely escape. For a more profound understanding of what real self-defence involves, from the legal, ethical, and practical perspectives, I invite you to my book, NEVER A VICTIM. It provides in-depth insight and strategies to help you take control of your personal safety. Incident Reporting: It is reporting even minor incidents that is a key factor in the protection of others and develops a pattern of unsafe behaviour. By sharing experiences, communities, personal safety app developers, and support organisations can build up databases of information that enable better-informed responses to future risks. Addressing Specific Challenges Some people have special problems and dangers that require specific strategies for self-protection. Statistics from around the world indicate that a significant percentage of the population, especially women, have experienced rape or sexual assault, stalking, drink spiking, or domestic abuse in their lifetime. This grim reality calls for sensitive and effective measures to help individuals lead their lives with freedom and safety. Practical Approaches to Empowerment Risk Factor Education: Understanding the dynamics of harassment, abuse, and violence as potential threats educates the individual on how such risks manifest. That is a good starting point. Practical Safety Measures: Self-defence training, personal safety apps or alarms, and mobile applications are just a few tools and mechanisms available to help one stay connected to their trusted networks in times of distress. Technology can provide real-time support and peace of mind when used thoughtfully for you and your loved ones. Community Support: It is much more than the building of support networks to share experiences and strategies. Such networks, provided through face-to-face interaction, community campaigns, or online platforms, offer
Top 10 Personal Safety Tips For Women
The following personal safety tips for women are rooted in practical advice, trauma-informed principles, and a mission to empower women with confidence and security in all aspects of life. Women’s safety hinges on vigilance. From physical threats and manipulative tactics used by perpetrators to technology-enabled abuse—often targeting women—being informed and proactive is crucial for all. Personal Safety Tips for Women Trust Your Intuition – Your intuition is a powerful defence mechanism. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Trust that inner voice, no matter how inconvenient or illogical it may seem at times. Intuition helps you recognise dangerous situations—whether it’s a suspicious stranger, an unsafe location, or a familiar person behaving unpredictably. Social conditioning, particularly in patriarchal societies, often teaches women to suppress their instincts. Break free from this expectation and listen to yourself. Stay Attentive to Your Environment – Awareness is a highly effective way to stay safe. Keep your head up, remain alert, and limit distractions such as excessive phone use. Observe your surroundings, sharpen your senses, note exits, and be aware of who is nearby and their behaviour. Knowing potential safe spaces is lso especially important when travelling alone or in unfamiliar locations. Learn Self-Defence – Understanding how to effectively protect yourself in high-stress, real-life situations can be life-saving. Enrol in a reputable class taught by instructors with real-life experience, such as former police officers, prison staff, or military hand-to-hand combat instructors. Learning how to incapacitate an attacker through simple and easy to remember techniques not only boosts your confidence but equips you to act effectively and instictivly if threatened. Use Technology for Your Safety – Leverage technology to enhance your safety. Apps like Hollie Guard, bSafe, WalkSafe+, or Life360 allow you to share your location, alert trusted contacts, and send distress signals. Always keep your phone charged and carry a small portable power bank for emergencies whenever possible. Be Aware of Technology-Enabled Abuse – The rise of AI has introduced new risks, including deepfake technology used to create AI-generated explicit content. Safeguard your digital identity with strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and caution when sharing personal information or images online. Regularly monitor your digital footprint and report any suspected misuse to platforms or authorities promptly. I will be writing a more in-depth article on this specific subject in the next 30 days, so please visit my website again soon. Own Your Boundaries – Clearly communicating your boundaries can deter potential threats. Whether someone is invading your personal space or pressuring you to step outside your comfort zone, practise saying “no” firmly and without hesitation. Reinforce this with assertive body language and maintain eye contact. You have the right to defend your boundaries, and you should trust your innate ability to protect yourself. Plan Routes in Advance – When heading out, especially at night, plan your route ahead of time. Opt for well-lit, busy areas, and share your itinerary with someone you trust. When using public transport, sit near the driver or in populated sections. Carry one of those deafening personal alarms or whistles for added security and use reliable safety apps to stay connected. Also, stay in touch with loved ones when out and about and keep them up-to-date of your movements and plans. Stay Vigilant Against Spiking and Drug-Facilitated Assault – Drink spiking and even needle spiking remains a significant threat. Never leave your drink unattended, and if you suspect tampering, do not consume it. Use protective tools like drink covers or bottle stoppers when socialising and look out for friends who may be at risk. If something feels wrong, seek assistance from bar staff or security personnel immediately. Trust your intuition. Understand the Power of Non-Verbal Communication – Body language conveys powerful messages. Walking confidently, maintaining eye contact, and appearing alert can make you less appealing to predators. Predators often target individuals who seem distracted, unsure of themselves, or vulnerable. A strong, composed demeanour can act as a powerful deterrent. Know Where to Go for Help – Understanding your support options is essential. Familiarise yourself with local support organisations, emergency services, and helplines. In urgent situations, call emergency services immediately or contact a trusted person who can assist you. Being aware of available resources can be life-saving in critical moments. Specific Advice for Women Navigating Emerging Tech Threats Technology, particularly AI, has opened new avenues for exploitation. AI-generated revenge porn and non-consensual deepfake imagery can portray individuals in compromising situations, often for harassment or blackmail. Steps to Protect Yourself: Limit Online Sharing: Be cautious about the photos and personal information you share on social media or with others. Even sharing intimate images with a trusted partner or friend could lead to future misuse if relationships turn sour. Audit Your Digital Footprint: Regularly search your name and images online to detect potential misuse. Report Abuse Immediately: Most platforms have mechanisms for reporting non-consensual content. Take swift action to have such material removed. Seek Legal Support: Familiarise yourself with laws such as the UK’s Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015, which criminalises revenge porn. Stay Informed: Keep up to date with emerging threats and strategies to mitigate risks. For specific technology-based concerns, seek advice from IT experts or experienced professionals. As previously mentioned, I will be writing a more in-depth article on this specific subject in the next 30 days, so please visit my website again soon. Empowering Women Through Awareness and Action Personal safety tips for women must extend beyond physical preparedness; they must encompass aspects of emotional, psychological, and digital readiness. By staying informed, vigilant, and resourceful, you can significantly reduce your chances of becoming a victim of violence or exploitation. Personal safety is not about living in fear but rather about taking effective steps to live with confidence and security. These tips provide a solid foundation for staying in control, whether navigating daily routines or entering new environments. If you feel it is unfair that women must remain vigilant, cautious, and concerned at all times—limiting what, when, and how they live their lives—I wholeheartedly