What is school-based sexual harassment?

School-based sexual harassment is unwanted sexual attention that someone experiences on school grounds or at school-sponsored functions.  Examples of sexual harassment include the following behaviors, when they are unwanted:

Who experiences sexual harassment?

The majority of teenagers experience some from a sexual harassment while they are in school.  Girls are sexually harassed more often and at younger ages, but boys can be sexually harassed too.

A 1993 American Association of University Women report found that 85% of the girls and 76% of boys in high school have experiences some form of sexually harassment during their school years. When someone experiences unwanted sexual attention, that attention can be classified as sexual harassment regardless of the gender or age of the victim.

Who does the harassing?

Students, teachers, administrators, custodians, coached, or other school staff members can perpetrate sexual harassment.  Both males and females can sexually harass others.

How do I know if what I'm experiencing is sexual harassment?

Maybe someone is just flirting with me. According to the law, the feelings of the person receiving the attention determine whether or not a behavior is sexual harassment. Flirting is welcome, wanted sexual behavior, whereas sexual harassment is unwanted.

How do I know if I'm sexually harassing someone?

Ask yourself, "why do I think this person wants this attention?  Am I sure that he or she doesn't mind that I say or do these things?   How would I feel if someone said or did this to my sister or brother, or to me?"  If you aren't sure whether or not the person welcomes the attention, ask.

Why do some people make such a big deal out of this? It's just a part of life. People who are offended by it have no sense of humor.

Sexual harassment is serious, illegal and degrading.  No one should have to tolerate abuse.  Sexual harassment should not be dismissed by saying that "boys will be boys"  or by saying that experiencing it will help someone learn to deal with the "real world"  students who have been sexually harasses, especially girls, report that they find is harder to concentrate and study, thing about changing schools, earn lower grades, and list themselves less as a result of the harassment.

If a girl is promiscuous, or is dresses provocatively, isn't is partly her fault if she is sexually harassed?

No, sexually harassment, like rape or any form of abuse, is never the fault of the victim, and is always the responsibility of the perpetrator.

What can I do if I am being sexually harassed at school?

Many students who are sexually harassed do nothing, but ignoring harassment will not make it stop and may make it worse. Remember that the harassment is not your fault. Make it clear to the harasser that you don't want him or her to do those things. If you don't want to confront the person, write a letter. Tell someone you trust, like a parent, teacher, or counselor, about the harassment.

Keep any notes or pictures the harasser sends you.  Keep record of when and here each incident occurs.  This information will be useful if you report the harassment to a school administrator, or if you decide to take legal action. If the harassment continues, notify a principal or administrator.  Under Title IX, which made sex discrimination in schools illegal, your school is legally responsible for providing an environment free of sexual harassment.

***All information obtained from Sexual Harassment at School pamphlet from Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault***