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  MSSBU Sexual Harassment Policy

The Policy Statement

MSSBU is committed to providing a safe environment for all students, free from discrimination and harassment on any ground at our social events. MSSBU operates a strict zero-tolerance policy for any form of sexual harassment in our environment. Any person found to have sexually harassed another will face serious disciplinary action. Sexual harassment is a criminal offence, punishable by law.

Definition of Sexual Harassment

It’s simple. Sexual harassment is unwelcomed conduct of a sexual nature that makes a person feel uncomfortable, offended, humiliated and/or intimidated.

Sexual harassment can involve one or more incidents and actions constituting harassment may be physical, verbal, or non-verbal. Examples of conduct or behaviour which constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:

  • Physical touch such as patting, pinching, stroking, kissing, hugging, fondling

  • Physical violence such as grabbing forcibly, not releasing a hug, and physical abuse

  • Verbal sexual innuendos both indirect and direct such as commenting on somebody’s appearance, behaviour, and private life

  • Unsolicited sexual advances

  • Repeated sexual invitations such as staring, smiling provocatively, and refusing to accept rejection

  • Sending sexually explicit messages 

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Anyone can be a victim of sexual harassment, regardless of their sex and of the sex of the harasser. What matters is that the sexual conduct is unwanted and unwelcome by the person against whom the conduct is directed.

Complaints Procedures

Anyone who is subject to sexual harassment should, if possible, inform the alleged harasser that the conduct is unwanted and unwelcome. However, we recognise that sexual harassment occurs in unequal relationships and that it may not be possible for the victim to inform the harasser. In this case, we have designated representatives, Sarah Wani and Mehzaben Islam, who will handle the situation privately.

When a designated representative  receives a complaint of sexual harassment, they will:

 

  • Immediately record the dates, times and facts of the incident(s)

  • Ascertain the views of the victim as to what outcome they want

  • Ensure that the victim understands the MSSBU’s procedures for dealing with the complaint

  • Discuss and agree on the next steps: either informal or formal complaint, on the understanding that choosing to resolve the matter informally does not preclude the victim from pursuing a formal complaint if they are not satisfied with the outcome

  • Keep a confidential record of all discussions, bound by a privacy agreement

  • Respect the choice of the victim

  • Ensure that the victim knows that they can lodge the complaint outside of MSSBU, the HSM faculty, and Bond University.

However, to report a sexual harassment incident, you do not need to approach the designated representative at the event scene. Students can use the anonymous reporting system in this case. In this way, the case will be handled outside of the event time and place. 

Sanctions and disciplinary measures

The nature of the sanctions will depend on the gravity and extent of the harassment. However, with this being said, all allegations are treated equally regardless of the extent of the harassment. 

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