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School-bases 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:
-
Sexual touching or pinching or sexually brushing against
someone
-
Snapping bras
-
Forcing someone to kiss or do something sexual
-
Pressuring someone it sexual activity in return for a good
grade
-
Name-calling (like "honey" or "bitch")
-
Giving or showing sexual pictures or notes to someone
-
Rating someone (such as on a scale from 1-10)
-
Flashing or mooning
-
Pulling clothing of or down
-
Cornering or blocking someone in a sexual way
-
Howling, catcalling, or whistling
-
Spying on someone as he or she is dressing or showering
-
Writing sexual graffiti about someone or spreading sexual
rumors about someone
-
Making sexual comments or jokes, or asking sexual
questions
-
Making sexual gestures or giving sexual looks or leers
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.
Students, teachers, administrators, custodians, coached, or other school staff
members can perpetrate sexual harassment. Both males and females can
sexually harass others.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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***All information obtained from Sexual Harassment at school pamphlet from
Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault***
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