Sexual Harassment
Sexual Harassment is unwanted and un-welcomed sexual behavior that interferes with your human rights. It is a serious social problem that affects millions of Americans in many settings including schools and the workplace.

Agreement isn't needed. The target of sexual harassment and the perpetrator do not have to agree about what is happening. Sexual harassment is defined by the person being targeted.

Sexual harassment can happen once or many times. Being the target of sexual harassment may make it very scary to go to work or school or hard to concentrate when you are there.

Sexual harassment can take the form of on-going unwanted sexual attention that creates an atmosphere in which the target suffers from the effects of sexual harassment on a daily, hourly, or almost constant basis resulting in an intolerable working or educational environment.

Sexual harassment may also take the form of quid pro quo--an offer of advancement if a co-worker will agree to sexual contact or the threat of job loss if a co-worker refuses to engage in sexual contact.

Sexual Harassment can include:
  • comments about your body, clothing, or sexual activities
  • sexual jokes, remarks, or teasing
  • requests or demands for sexual favors that come with hints or stated threats about your job
  • insulting sounds
  • leering or staring at your body
  • obscene gestures
  • displays of pornographic or sexually suggestive materials
  • creating a hostile work environment
  • brushing up or bumping against your body
  • being cornered
  • writing sexual graffiti
  • pulling someone's clothes off
  • pulling your own clothes off
  • being forced to kiss someone or do something sexual
  • rape or attempted rape
What Can you do about Sexual Harassment?

Don't ignore it. It won't go away!

If you're unsure whether a certain type of behavior is sexual harassment or want more information, contact your local crisis center.

Learn your rights. Contact your supervisor, personnel manager, Employee Assistance Program or your teacher, professor, principal, or counselor and learn about the policies on sexual harassment.

Speak up about sexual harassment you experience or witness.

Tell someone and keep telling until you find someone who believes you and will support you.

Keep detailed records, documenting any incidents of harassment you experience. Enlist witnesses. Keep copies of all written materials, including e-mails.

Let the harasser know that you don't like the behavior--either in person or in writing. Be specific about the incidents of unwanted sexual attention. (Keep a copy if you write a letter).

Do not blame yourself. Harassment is unwanted and can make you feel trapped, confused, helpless, frustrated, embarrassed, and scared. You certainly did not ask for any of those feelings or the behavior that caused them.
Schools should be a safe place!

School district officials are legally responsible to guarantee an education for all students in a safe environment that is free from sexual harassment and sex discrimination.

A safe, harassment-free workplace is everyone's right!
Sources: NCHADSV and www.free-to-soar.org