Sexual Harassment

What is it?
Sexual Harassment is any unwelcome or unwanted sexual advance, request, or any verbal (like telling a sexual joke) or physical conduct of a sexual nature.  It can occur one time or can occur repeatedly. It can happen at school, work, home, on the internet, or in public places like shopping malls.  It is never ok to be sexually harassed or sexually harass anyone else.

Who Harasses?
The victim or harasser can be male or female.  It can occur both in opposite sex and same sex situations.  The harasser can be older or younger than the victim, and can be someone you know or a stranger.  Some people who harass think that they are just flirting and don’t know that they are creating a problem for the other person.  If you know someone like this, bring it to their attention.

The Effects
The effects of sexual harassment vary from person to person or from situation to situation.  Some victims, or even bystanders, may feel annoyed while others may experience some psychological damage.  Performance at school or at work may suffer as a result of sexual harassment.  Some people may feel depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, shame, guilt, feelings of betrayal or violation, and loss of self-esteem or confidence (to name a few).

What Do You Do?
If you are being sexually harassed, confront your harasser if you feel comfortable to do so.  Tell them that you will not tolerate whatever comment or behavior they made and demand that the sexual harassment stop.  If you do not feel comfortable doing this, tell someone who can help you put an end to the harassment, maybe a teacher, parent, or friend.  There are laws in place to help protect you against sexual harassment.

For more information on this topic, visit the following links:

How to get Help with Sexual Harassment

Information on Sexual Harassment

Teen Rape & Sexual Harassment

National Center for Victims of a Crime - Sexual Harassment

Teen Voices

Teens Think What? - Sexual Harassment

How to say "NO!" so he knows that you mean it

Teen Relationship Project - Sexual Harassment

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalition

Teen - PCAR