Dance Connection LTD
SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
Sexual harassment is unlawful and an unacceptable form of behavior and will not be tolerated at any Dance Connection Ltd (“Dance Connection”) class, event or activity.
Dance Connection is committed to preventing sexual harassment at its classes, events and activities.
Many forms of harassment are unlawful, however, this policy is confined to addressing sexual harassment.
Sexual Harassment Defined
Sexual Harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature which makes a person feel offended, humiliated and/or intimidated where that reaction is reasonable in the circumstances.
Sexual harassment can take various forms including, among other things:
- suggestive or lewd comments and / or jokes;
- leering, staring, obscene gestures and wolf whistling;
- intrusive questions or insinuations about a person’s private life;
- deliberate and unwelcome touching, kissing, hugging, patting, pinching or brushing against another person’s body;
- sexually offensive written, telephone or electronic communications;
- insults or taunts of a sexual nature; and
- behavior which would also be an offense under the criminal law, such as physical assault, indecent exposure, sexual assault or stalking.
Sexual harassment does not have to be repeated or continuous to be against the law. It can be a one-off incident.
What is Not Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is not sexual interaction, flirtation, attraction or friendship which is invited, mutual, consensual or reciprocated.
Sexual Harassment May Occur
Sexual harassment includes harassment of students by students, of staff (paid or unpaid) by students or of students by staff (paid or unpaid).
Sexual harassment may occur where a person uses sexual behaviour to control, influence or affect the educational opportunity of someone over whom they exert actual or perceived authority.
Responses to Sexual Harassment
Any person who believes they have been subjected to sexual harassment should discuss the matter with a director of Dance Connection. Confidentiality will be maintained. Dance Connection also encourages individuals who experience sexual harassment to inform the alleged harasser that the behavior is unwelcome, unacceptable and contrary to policy, and ask that the behavior stop. Individuals should also keep notes documenting incidents of the behavior, time, place and any witnesses. Dance Connection recognizes that, as a highly sensitive and complex matter, sexual harassment is sometime best dealt with informally through discussion between the parties or with some assistance from an independent third party so as to minimize its damaging and disruptive effects.
Complaints of sexual harassment will be dealt with depending upon the severity of the case. Responses may include, amongst other things, informal grievance resolutions in the terms of an apology, as well as suspension and refusal of entry to Dance Connection classes, activities and events.
A person who has experienced sexual harassment can make a written complaint to the Ministry of Justice under Human Rights Act 1993. The complaint will be investigated by the appropriate authorities.
A person is not required to attempt a complaint informally before approaching the Ministry of Justice. Criminal acts such as assault may also be reported directly to the police.