Sexual Harassment
If this is an emergency, call 911.
If this is an emergency, call 911.
Information on this site is for educational purposes and not intended as medical advice.
Information on this site is for educational purposes and not intended as medical advice.
Definition:
Definition:
Sexual harassment is unwanted sexual behavior that interferes with a student's educational opportunities. This can include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
Sexual harassment is unwanted sexual behavior that interferes with a student's educational opportunities. This can include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
Sexual harassment can include:
- Touch of a sexual nature
- Making sexual comments, jokes, or gestures
- Writing graffiti or displaying or distributing sexually explicit drawings, pictures, or written materials
- Calling students sexually charged names
- Spreading sexual rumors
- Rating students on sexual activity or performance
- Circulating, showing, or creating e-mails or web sites of a sexual nature
(from U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights).
Sexual harassment is protected under Title IX and therefore is
Sexual harassment is protected under Title IX and therefore is
AGAINST THE LAW.
AGAINST THE LAW.
What can I if I'm a victim?
What can I if I'm a victim?
How to Respond to a Harasser
How to Respond to a Harasser
- In a strong, firm tone of voice and with a serious face, tell the person to stop, and point out exactly what behavior needs to stop.
- Tell someone trustworthy about the sexual harassment
- Report the sexual harassment to a trustworthy teacher, counselor, or online.
- Don't respond to harassing or threatening text messages. Instead, save the messages and show they to a trusted adult.
(from "Crossing the Line: Sexual Harassment at School")
All students have a right to a safe and healthy school environment.
All students have a right to a safe and healthy school environment.
If you are the victim of sexual harassment, you have rights.
If you are the victim of sexual harassment, you have rights.
Report sexual harassment to a school official or report it anonymously using the school's incident reporting system.
Report sexual harassment to a school official or report it anonymously using the school's incident reporting system.
Copy of Incident-Reporting-FAQs.pdfWhat can I do if I'm a witness?
What can I do if I'm a witness?
Sexual harassment often takes place where other students are likely to be a witness. It can affect everyone, even witnesses. If you witness sexual harassment, tell a school official or report it anonymously using the school's incident reporting system.
Sexual harassment often takes place where other students are likely to be a witness. It can affect everyone, even witnesses. If you witness sexual harassment, tell a school official or report it anonymously using the school's incident reporting system.
What can I do as a parent/community member?
What can I do as a parent/community member?
If you suspect your child is the victim of sexual harassment, tell a school official or report it anonymously using the school's incident reporting system.
If you suspect your child is the victim of sexual harassment, tell a school official or report it anonymously using the school's incident reporting system.
How to respond to sexual harassment
How to respond to sexual harassment
Parents and other concerned adults should respond sensitively and appropriately when students tell them about a sexual harassment incident.
- Listen to the student carefully and respectfully
- Avoid voicing judgment or using victim-blaming language
- Answer questions to the best of your ability
- Advise the student to record the incident in writing, including as much detail as possible about what happened and listing anyone who saw the incident
- Assist student as necessary if they choose to report the harasser to school officials
- Provide continual emotional support for the student, no matter what course of action they choose to pursue
(from "Crossing the Line: Sexual Harassment at School")
How to help prevent sexual harassment
How to help prevent sexual harassment
- Foster feelings of empathy and respect for other in your children
- Talk to your children about what healthy friendships and dating relationships look like
- Explain what sexual harassment and sexual assault are
- Take an interest in your children's day, their friends, and the activities they're involved in at school
- Encourage your children to know how to stand up for themselves and teach them assertiveness and self-defense
- Fine out what your school's sexual harassment policy is, and make sure your children understand it
(from "Crossing the Line: Sexual Harassment at School")
