What counts as sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature that makes you feel uncomfortable, humiliated, intimidated or unsafe.
It can include:
Inappropriate touching or “accidental” contact
Sexual jokes or comments about your body
Repeated invitations or suggestive remarks
Being asked for hugs, kisses or personal information
Staring, leering or sexual gestures
Explicit texts or messages
A client or family member blocking your exit or invading your space
It doesn’t matter who it comes from — client, relative, colleague, or manager.
Live-In Scenarios: What To Do If…
🔹 A client makes sexual jokes or comments about your body
Stay calm and professional.
Clearly state:
“That comment makes me uncomfortable. Please don’t speak to me like that.”
Document the incident.
Inform your manager or on-call the same day.
If behaviour continues, it becomes a safeguarding concern and must be escalated.
🔹 A client tries to touch you inappropriately during personal care
Move away immediately.
Say clearly:
“That behaviour is not appropriate.”
If necessary, step out of the room.
Contact on-call if you feel unsafe.
Record the incident in full.
Your safety is more important than completing the task.
🔹 A family member makes suggestive comments late at night
Remove yourself from the situation.
Avoid being alone in confined spaces with them.
Inform your manager immediately.
A placement review may be required.
You should never feel pressured to “put up with it”.
🔹 You are worried reporting will “cause trouble” or affect the placement
You will not be penalised for raising concerns.
We treat reports seriously and confidentially.
Your safety will always come before placement continuity.
🔹 You feel physically unsafe
Leave the immediate area if possible.
Call 999 if you are at risk.
Contact on-call once safe.
This will be treated as both a safety and safeguarding issue.
What happens after you report?
Your manager will document the concern.
A safeguarding and risk review will take place.
The placement may be adjusted or ended.
You will be supported.
Disciplinary action may follow if the harasser is a staff member.
You will not be victimised for speaking up.
Remember
In live-in care:
You are working in someone’s private home.
You are often alone.
Boundaries matter even more.
Sexual harassment is not “banter”.
It is not “just how they are”.
It is not something you should tolerate.
If something feels wrong — report it.
If you are unsure — call your manager or the on-call team.
Your dignity matters.