Section 4B of the Public Order Act 1986

Section 4B of the Public Order Act 1986

New Law to Tackle Sex-Based Harassment

Kent Police would like to raise awareness of a new criminal offence that came into force on 1 April 2026 under Section 4B of the Public Order Act 1986. This offence makes it illegal to intentionally cause harassment, alarm or distress to someone because of their sex or presumed sex.

The law covers threatening, abusive or insulting words, behaviour, or displays that are intended to cause harassment, alarm or distress where the victim is targeted because of their sex. The behaviour does not need to be sexual in nature to be an offence.

Examples could include:

Persistent unwanted comments directed at someone because they are male or female.

Verbal abuse or intimidation based on a person's sex.

Deliberate behaviour intended to make someone feel unsafe, intimidated or distressed because of their sex.

The offence carries a maximum sentence of up to two years imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Everyone has the right to feel safe while studying, working and socialising on campus. If you experience or witness harassment, report it to university security, student support services, or Kent Police. In an emergency, always call 999.

Together, we can help ensure our university communities remain safe, respectful and inclusive for all.

PC Andrew Bernthal
University Beat Officer
Kent Police

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Andrew Bernthal
(Kent Police, Police Constable, Canterbury Neighbourhood Policing Team)