Some forms of sexual harassment automatically break criminal law in England and Wales, and are therefore crimes. These include:
- stalking
- indecent exposure
- ‘upskirting’
- any sexual harassment involving physical contact (this amounts to sexual assault in English and Welsh law)
Other forms of sexual harassment might also break criminal law, depending on the situation. For example, if someone carries out sexual harassment behaviours on more than one occasion that are intended to cause another person alarm or distress, they may be committing the crime of harassment.
In cases of sexual harassment where a crime was committed, the following can happen:
- Police can arrest the person who committed the crime.
- This person can be charged with a crime and face trial.
- If they are found guilty or plead guilty then they will receive a punishment. This might include a prison sentence.