Sexual Harassment & Assault

1. Sexual Harassment & Assault

2. What is Sexual Assault • Sexual assault can be verbal, visual, or anything that forces a person to join in unwanted sexual contact or attentions. • It only has to happen once. • Some examples are: • Voyeurism: watching sexual acts • Exhibitionism: exposing yourself publicly • Sexual Harassment

3. What is Sexual Harassment? • Sexual harassment refers to any UNWANTED and REPEATED attention that is sexual in nature. • Legally it is “conduct that has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or learning environment.

4. 4 Types of Sexual Harassment • Verbal • Sexual jokes, rumors, name calling, threats, harassing phone calls, pressuring someone into sexual acts • Non-Verbal • Displaying of sexual pictures/photos, obscene gestures, body language, whistling • Written • Sexual graffiti, notes, email, facebook • Physical • Forced sexual conduct-grabbing, pinching, fondling, cornering etc.

5. What’s The Big Deal? • Sexual harassment is not just embarrassing; it can hurt students: • Health • Self esteem • Grades • Desire to go to work/school • Depression • Psychological/physical issues • Examples in the news..

6. Why People Do It • Peer pressure • They don’t know its inappropriate • They think it’s funny • They could have been a victim in the past (psychological issues) • Control

7. Who is at risk? • While anyone can be a victim of sexual assault, females between the ages of 15 and 24 are the highest risk of being assaulted by someone they know.

8. Definitions • Consent: this means to agree or give permission. • There are 3 times a person cannot consent even if they want to. They are: • 1. Under the influence of alcohol or drugs • 2. If you are under the age of 16 (age differs from state to state) • 3. If you are developmentally delayed or unconscious • Sexual Assault • One can be legally charged with sexual assault in some degree (1-4) if there is non-consensual sexual contact of any sort

9. Definitions (cont.) • Child Sexual Assault (CSA): Is when a child under the age of 18 is forced, tricked or intimidated by an adult into any kind of sexual activity. • Incest: When the offender is a family member • Rape: is any type of forced penetration. It is NOT a crime of passion; it is one of power and control that involves any kinds of force including, but not limited to threats and intimidation.

10. Definitions (cont.) • Acquaintance/Date Rape: is the most common type of rape. It is a social term that means forced sexual intercourse by someone the victim knows • Legal age of consent in CT is 16 • Statutory Rape: Is legally defined as sexual intercourse with someone below the legal age of consent even if: • Consent was given • There was no resistance • It was mutually participated

11. Date Rape • A person can be a victim of date rape if slipped certain drugs that are used to incapacitate a victim to a level where the perpetrator is able to assault him/her without resistance. • Date rape drugs are usually odorless, colorless, and tasteless. • They generally last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour • Many date rape drugs are homemade and sometimes administered in lethal dosages. • Usually they are slipped in to a drink.

12. Date Rape (cont.) • These drugs can make you become weak and confused--or may even make you pass out. • This leaves unable to defend yourself against any unwanted sexual contact • These drugs are used on both men and women • They are also called “club drugs”because they tend to be used at dance clubs, concerts, raves, etc. • The 3 most popular date rape drugs being used are: • Rohypnol • GHB- gamma hydroxybutyric • Ketamine

13. Decrease your chances of becoming a victim of date rape drugs by: • If you can’t pour your own drink, watch the person pouring it • Don’t accept open cans or drinks made previously • Don’t leave your drink unattended • Use the “buddy system” and stay with your friend if at a party or new location

14. Statistics • 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys will be sexually assaulted before their 16th birthday • Sexual offenders are not usually strangers; approximately 86% of victims know their offender • 1/2 of victims are assaulted in their home or in the offender’s home • In more than 1/4 of all cases, offenders repeat their behaviors

15. Speak Up • 41% of sexual assault victims don’t report the crime • 60% of rape victims don’t report the crime. • Often survivors don’t speak out because embarrassment or they feel they will be blamed. • People SHOULD speak out because: • It will begin the healing process • Declares violent disrespect as unacceptable • Decreases offender’s chance of victimizing another person • Decrease feeling of isolation for all survivors • Raise awareness that sexual violence as all-too-common occurrence

16. If You’ve Been Assaulted • Talk to someone you trust • Remember there is no right or wrong way to react, and you may be feeling anger, confusion, frustration and/or guilt. Talking to someone such as a friend, family member, teacher, or counselor can help. Talking through your feelings can make this difficult time in your life easier to handle. • Report the incident right away to the police. If at school go to an authority figure. • Get medical attention as soon as possible--within 24 hours is best.

17. How to Reduce Your Risk • Be aware the more that you drink or take drugs, the less capable you are to judge possibly dangerous situations. • Do not take rides, leave parties, or go on dates alone with people you do not know. • If you are with someone you do not know, let someone know where and with whom you are going; have them check on you periodically • Be aware of a person who insists the two of you should be alone and/or someone who pressures you to use drugs or alcohol.