Breaking the Silence: Sexual Safety for Healthcare Students and Trainees

Breaking the Silence: Sexual Safety for Healthcare Students and Trainees explores sexual safety within clinical and training environments, focusing on sexual harassment as a critical issue for professional practice, wellbeing, and patient safety. Participants will gain a clear understanding of what sexual harassment is, why it occurs, and the factors that make students and trainees particularly vulnerable in healthcare settings. The programme aims to promote safer, more respectful learning and working environments across healthcare.

Intended audience
This programme is designed for a national, multi-professional healthcare audience, including:

• Students and trainees across healthcare professions 
• Clinical and non-clinical staff 
• Educators, supervisors, and trainers 
• Leaders and managers with responsibility for safe learning and working environments 

The content is relevant to anyone working or training in clinical settings who wants to contribute to a culture of safety, respect, and accountability.

Key areas covered

• Common barriers to reporting sexual harassment and sexual harm, including power imbalances, hierarchical cultures, fear of consequences, and uncertainty about reporting processes. 
• Practical guidance on maintaining professional boundaries, recognising inappropriate behaviour, and taking action safely and effectively. 
• How to respond as active bystanders, how to report concerns through appropriate channels, and how to support colleagues who disclose experiences of sexual harm.    

Learning objectives

 By the end of this programme, participants will be able to:

• Define sexual harassment and recognise behaviours that are inappropriate or harmful 
• Understand why sexual harassment occurs in clinical and training settings 
• Identify why students and trainees may be at increased risk 
• Recognise common reasons incidents go unreported 
• Maintain clear personal and professional boundaries 
• Apply active bystander approaches to challenge or interrupt inappropriate behaviour 
• Understand how and where to report concerns 
• Respond appropriately and supportively to disclosures of sexual harm 

This programme supports the NHS Sexual Safety in Healthcare Organisational
Charter by equipping those who work, train, and learn in clinical environments with the knowledge and skills to recognise, prevent, and respond to sexual harassment and sexual harm. 

The NHS Sexual Safety Charter commits organisations to a zero-tolerance approach to unwanted, inappropriate, and harmful sexual behaviours and to ensuring clear standards, reporting mechanisms, training, and support are in place for all staff and learners.