Sexual Harassment

by: Mallory Langford



Barclay, G., Cazares, E., Kirchen, L. (Producers), Barclay, G., Cazares, E., Kirchen, L. (Directors). (2004). Sexual Harassment PSA [Motion Picture]. USA: www.youtube.com.


Why it’s Happening

Sexual harassment happens in every stage of education. Verbal and physical harassment often begins in elementary school and is often connected to bullying. In general, boys are more likely to physically harass and bully others. Girls are more likely to use, and experience, verbal and psychological harassment and bullying. Most of the sexual harassment that happens in education is between students, rather than faculty or faculty and students. However, it does occur between students and teachers, which often leads to devastating effects.

In recent years, sexual harassment has been a subject that has become more and more acknowledged, talked about, and prosecuted. What used to be something that most people would keep to themselves and feel ashamed of has become a way to find power in an uncomfortable situation. Often, sexual harassment comes in the form of unwanted sexual advances, which can lead to rape. The willingness to discuss these issues can ease the suffering and pain of those who were victims of these crimes, as well as inspiring others to come forth and confront their aggressors.

Who

• The victim as well as the harasser may be a man or a woman. The victim does not have to be of the opposite sex.
• The harasser can be anyone in or out of the school – a student, a teacher, an administrator, a stranger.
• The victim does not have to be the person harassed but could be anyone affected by the offensive conduct.
• The harasser's conduct must be unwelcome.

Effects

• Decreased work or school performance
• Increased absenteeism to avoid harassment
• Retaliation from the harasser, or colleagues/friends of the harasser, should the victim complain 
or file a grievance (retaliation can involve revenge along with more sexual harassment, and can 
involve stalking the complainant)
• Being objectified and humiliated by scrutiny and gossip
• Defamation of character and reputation
• Loss of trust in the types of people that occupy similar positions as the harasser or their 
colleagues

How to prevent and stop it

You must tell the harasser firmly that the attention is unwanted. If you feel uncomfortable, or unable, to do this yourself, have someone you trust do it for you. There are various ways to confront the situation, but you must always be firm and direct.

• Tell the harasser what they have done--name the behavior. Be specific, straightforward, and 
blunt.
• Demand that the harassment stop.
• Don't make excuses for the harasser--hold them accountable. Do not pretend nothing has 
happened.
• Stand your ground and stick to your own agenda. Don't respond to the harasser's excuses or 
diversionary tactics. Do not allow yourself to be manipulated by others into backing down.
• Reinforce your statements with strong, self-respecting body language: eye contact, head up, 
shoulders back, a strong, serious stance. Don't smile. Timid, submissive body language will 
undermine your message. If the harassment continues, repeat yourself if you have to.
• Respond at the appropriate level. If the harassment was physical, combine your verbal response 
with a physical one (i.e. grasp their arm firmly while saying "No!")
• Talk about the harassment to others. Staying silent protects harassers.