Sexual Harassment Facts
|
FACT #1 Sexual harassment is UNWANTED attention. The person who is being harassed (or the target) should get to decide if the attention is okay. If the harasser knows the target is uncomfortable, he or she needs to STOP! FACT #2 Sexual harassment is different from other kinds of bullying behaviors. Sexually harassing behaviors have sexual content. This includes such things as unwelcome touches or affection, sexual language or images, and comments about someone's body, development, or sexual experience. FACT #3 Sexual harassment happens. According to the American Association of University Women, four out of five students (both boys and girls) said they had been sexually harassed (www.aauw.org). One-third of the students said it happened "often". FACT #4 There are different forms of sexual harassment.
FACT #5 Sexual harassment is NOT a normal part of growing up. Sexual harassment is illegal and against school rules. If you are being harassed, you have the right to report and to have your report taken seriously. If the first person you tell won't help you - keep telling! If harassment makes your school a scary place, then the school has a responsibility to help you! FACT #6 When it comes to sexual harassment, bystanders aren't powerless. It's not okay to step aside and let sexual harassment occur in your school. People who harass others do it to gain power and control. Often bystanders give the harasser the attention they want and thus encourage this hurtful behavior. Even if you aren't directly involved, sexual harassment is still your problem. Take action and offer friendship to the victim. Help access support from staff or other adults. Tell the harasser to stop. Don't harass others yourself. |
