Student Handbook

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Sexual Harassment #

Affirmative Consent #

Sweden’s Consent Law (Samtyckeslagen) states that sexual consent must be explicit and active from both parties. This means that sexual offenses are defined by the absence of consent, rather than whether there was force or violence involved.

Sexual Harassment Policy #

The Swedish Program is committed to maintaining an environment free of sexual harassment and any form of sexual intimidation, violence, and exploitation.

If you believe that you are being sexually harassed or exploited or are the victim of sexual violence, you are encouraged to take action, even if you feel confused or doubt yourself. Different steps you can take include:

  • Say NO. Make it clear to the offender that the behavior is unacceptable to you.
  • Keep a record of times, dates, places, and witnesses, as well as the nature of the harassment.
  • Tell someone about the offending behavior or incident(s): a friend, Swedish Program staff member, the Equality and Diversity Manager at SSE, or the police where applicable.

If an act of sexual violence takes place, it is recommended that you take immediate action. Try to get to a safe place and call 112 (the Swedish version of 911). Go to a hospital for treatment of any injuries, for a rape exam, and testing for sexually transmitted diseases. Do not disturb any evidence; leave the scene of the incident untouched, and do not shower, wash, or clean up.

Reporting Sexual Harassment #

Any student who informs the Program’s administrative staff or a faculty member that he or she has been sexually assaulted or harassed during the Program will receive the full support of the Program’s Administration, including advice as to resources for professional counseling.

The student will be advised that he or she may report the incident to the Program without identifying the assailant, if known. If the student who has been the victim of an assault consents, the Program will report the assault or harassment to the student’s home institution. If the alleged assailant is a fellow student in the Program, the Program will advise the student that if names are provided to the institution, the institution may be required to conduct an investigation. The student will also be informed, as early in the communication as possible, that he or she may request that the Program report the incident to the institution(s) on a confidential basis.

Any student who informs the Program’s Administration or a faculty member that he or she has been a victim of sexual assault during the Program will be advised to report the crime to local police authorities. Program staff will assist the student in making such a formal complaint to the police. Swedish law enforcement will determine the course of any investigation or prosecution as appropriate.

The Swedish Program will notify the home institution and the parents of any student who is accused of any form of sexual harassment or assault. Moreover, the Program will keep both the school and the family informed of any disciplinary action taken by the Program and/or by local legal authorities related to a formal report of such an incident or crime.