What is sexual harassment? Lawyer reveals the definition as the MP sex pest scandal continues to grip Westminster
MORE sexual harassment claims are surfacing in Parliament as the MPs sex scandal continues to unfold.
With sex pest allegations swirling around Westminster and Hollywood, we spoke to a lawyer to understand the legal perspective on sexual harassment.
Joy Merriam, Solicitor Advocate of, told the Sun Online: ";There is no offence, as such, of sexual harassment."
However, she explained that this doesn't mean harassing people is legal - there are just specific laws which cover the acts and behaviours which make for sexual harassment, rather than a law for it as a whole.
She explained: "Any touching (including over clothing) of another person without their consent either in an innocent place which becomes sexual due to the circumstances, or by touching in a sexual area including the breasts and upper thigh is an offence."
Acts like this would be treated as sexual assault, which comes under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and is punishable in the Crown Court by up to 10 years imprisonment.
The lawyer explained that there are also offences for other behaviours associated with sexual harassment.
She said: "If there is no touching, merely offensive language, and if this happens in a public place it is an offence under Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986.
"Additional protection is provided in the workplace under civil law by the Equality Act 2010, which covers all forms of bullying and harassment in the workplace including sexual [harassment].
"Employment tribunals can award damages for sexual harassment at work."
Meanwhile, describes sexual harassment as unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature which:
- Violates your dignity
- Makes you feel intimidated, degraded or humiliated
- Creates a hostile or offensive environment
This comes after Sir Michael Fallon resigned from his Cabinet role as Defence Secretary after The Sun’s revelation that he repeatedly felt the knee of radio host Julia Hartley-Brewer under a dinner table.
Meanwhile, the Hollywood sexual abuse scandal started with a series of accusations against producer Harvey Weinstein - including by seven British women.
More recently, Kevin Spacey has been hit by allegations that he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old boy and other young men.
