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What is Sexual Harassment?. Definition: Sexual Harassment is defined by the law as any unwanted attention of a sexual nature. . Sexual Harassment and the Law. Indiana Code 35-45-2-2
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What is Sexual Harassment? Definition: Sexual Harassment is defined by the law as any unwanted attention of a sexual nature.
Sexual Harassment and the Law Indiana Code 35-45-2-2 A person who, with an intent to harass, annoy or alarm another person but with no intent of legitimate communication: Makes a telephone call, whether or not a conversation ensues; Communicates with a person by mail or other written communication Transmits an obscene message Uses a computer network or other form of electronic communication to: Communicate with a person; or Transmit an obscene message or indecent or profane words to a person Commits harassment, a Class B misdemeanor. ***Class B misdemeanor is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and $1,000 in fines.
Myths vs. Facts “Sexual harassment is a harmless joke that doesn’t hurt anyone.” “Girls ask to be sexually harassed by the way they dress or behave.” “There’s nothing a person can do to stop harassment.” “Guys cannot be sexually harassed.” “Girls like to be sexually harassed. It’s a way of complimenting someone.” “Sexual harassment is the same as flirting.”
Do you think sexual harassment happens the most in middle school, high school or college?
STATISTICS: An independent study by the American Association of University Women Educational Foundation found that 76% of boys and 85% of girls have been sexually harassed during middle school. Students most often experience sexual harassment for the first time during 6th to 9th grade. 81% of students will experience some form of sexual harassment at some time while they are in school, with 27% experiencing it often.
STATISTICS: 76% of high school boys reported “unwanted sexual behavior that interferes with their lives.” 18% of boys were targeted “often”. 42% of boys have been inappropriately touched, grabbed or pinched. 23% of boys have been called “gay” in a derogatory manner.
STATISTICS: School Hallways: 66% Classrooms: 55% School Grounds: 43% Gym or Playing Fields: 43% Cafeteria: 34% School Bus: 26% Field Trip: 24% School Parking Lot: 18% Locker Room: 18% Restrooms: 10%
3 Types of Sexual Harassment VISUAL – inappropriate instant message or email, bathroom wall graffiti, showing someone inappropriate pictures that makes them feel uncomfortable, obscene gestures VERBAL – dirty jokes, comments about someone’s body, spreading rumors of a sexual nature PHYSICAL – grabbing or touching someone that makes them feel uncomfortable, unwanted hugging or kissing, pulling down someone’s pants
VERBAL, VISUAL OR PHYSICAL? Jasmine spreads rumors all over school that Tonya is only popular because “She gives guys what they want.” Kirk writes a gross message about Joy on the wall of the boys’ bathroom. Walter tries to pants Jason on the bus. On a field trip, Ron plants himself next to Sophie and keeps pushing up against her, even when she tries to move away. Emily keeps giving Aaron flirtatious notes and leaving phone messages even though he’s made it clear that he doesn’t want this attention. Anthony’s dirty jokes at the lunch table embarrass Lauren. She tries to ignore him, but he doesn’t stop even after she asks him to.
FLIRTING VS. SEXUAL HARASSMENT Flirting Sexual Harassment Flirting is welcome attention. Flirting goes both ways. Flirting makes you feel attractive. Flirting makes you feel in control. Flirting makes you feel good about yourself. Flirting is legal. Sexual harassment makes us feel uncomfortable. Sexual harassment is one-sided. Sexual harassment feels degrading. Sexual harassment makes you feel powerless. Sexual harassment makes you feel bad about yourself. Sexual harassment is a violation of school rules AND is illegal.
Flirting vs. Harassment – Put it to the test! “You are really looking good today.” “Those tight jeans look great.” “That sweater makes your eyes look blue.” “With that body, you could be a model.” “I love your new haircut.” “You look so sexy in that dress.” “Those track shorts look cute on you.”
Katy and the Bathroom Wall Part 1: What would you recommend Katy do? If Katy reported the incident, who should she report it to? Part 2: What would you recommend Katy do? If Katy reported the incident, who should she report it to now? Part 3: What would you recommend? Katy should ignore the whole issue? Katy could transfer to another school? Katy could report the incident. If so, to who?
The New Boy, Taunted and Targeted Part 1: In your opinion, do you think this is sexual harassment? Why or why not? Part 2: Rob says that boys are trapped in a double bind, liking and disliking the attention at the same time. Can you explain this? Do you think he is right? If you were in Rob’s shoes, what would you do?
What to do if it happens to you? Step 1: Communicate to your harasser what you are feeling and that you expect the behavior to stop. You can do this verbally or in writing. If you choose, you may get help and support from a friend, parent, professional or another trusted adult. Step 2: If the person does not stop when you ask them to, report the harassment to the appropriate person in your school including a teacher, counselor, or administrator and tell your parents. Document exactly what happened giving as many details and quotes when possible. Step 3: If the behavior is repeated again, go to a person in higher authority, such as a school board member or superintendant. Be persistent!
HOW CAN YOU HELP? Refuse to join in when you see someone being harassed. Don’t ignore it. If you feel safe doing so, step in and interrupt the harassment. Get support, tell an adult that you trust. Don’t be a bystander. Talk to the person being harassed and try to get them to talk to an adult. Offer to go with them. Overall, be supportive!
