Sexual Harassment

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is any kind of behaviour of a sexual nature that makes you feel humiliated or intimidated, or that creates a hostile environment.

When someone calls you insulting sexual names, talks about you in a sexual way that makes you feel uncomfortable (like commenting on you body) or spreads sexual rumours about you, that's sexual harassment. It can happen in person, over the phone, or online.

Examples of sexual harassment are:

• making sexual jokes, comments, or gestures to or about someone

• spreading sexual rumors (in person, by text, or online)

• writing sexual messages about people in bathrooms or in other public places

• showing someone inappropriate sexual pictures or videos

• asking someone to send you naked pictures of herself or himself ("nudes")

• posting sexual comments, pictures, or videos on social networks like Facebook, or sending explicit text messages

• making sexual comments or offers while pretending to be someone else online

• touching, grabbing, or pinching someone in a deliberately sexual way

• pulling at someone's clothing and brushing up against them in a purposefully sexual way

• asking someone to go out over and over again, even after the person has said no

People may say they are joking but it is still sexual harassment if:

• the behaviour is of a sexual nature

• it's unwanted

• it violates someone's dignity or creates a hostile environment for them

Can I have someone to talk to?

If you need support, you are free to contact any member of staff you feel comfortable talking to. Alternatively, please feel free click the Keep Me Safe button located under the Sidney Stringer Academy Logo. The account will be checked on a daily basis during school working hours.

What if I don't want to talk to anyone in school?

There are lots of organisations that you can talk to to get help; just click on the links below.