What is Sexual Harassment?
Definition:
Sexual Harassment is
defined by the law as any
unwanted attention of a
sexual nature.
Sexual Harassment and the Law
Indiana Code 35-45-2-2
A person who, with an intent to harass, annoy or alarm another person but with no
intent of legitimate communication:
Makes a telephone call, whether or not a conversation ensues;
Communicates with a person by mail or other written communication
Transmits an obscene message
Uses a computer network or other form of electronic communication to:
a. Communicate with a person; or
b. Transmit an obscene message or indecent or profane words to a person
Commits harassment, a Class B misdemeanor.
***Class B misdemeanor is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and $1,000 in fines.
Myths vs. Facts
“Sexual harassment is a harmless joke that doesn’t hurt
anyone.”
“Girls ask to be sexually harassed by the way they dress or
behave.”
“There’s nothing a person can do to stop harassment.”
“Guys cannot be sexually harassed.”
“Girls like to be sexually harassed. It’s a way of
complimenting someone.”
“Sexual harassment is the same as flirting.”
Do you think sexual
harassment happens
the most in middle
school, high school or
college?
STATISTICS:
An independent study by the American
Association of University Women Educational
Foundation found that 76% of boys and 85% of girls
have been sexually harassed during middle school.
Students most often experience sexual harassment
for the first time during 6th to 9th grade.
81% of students will experience some form of
sexual harassment at some time while they are in
school, with 27% experiencing it often.
Is sexual
harassment all
about boys
harassing girls?
STATISTICS:
76% of high school boys reported “unwanted
sexual behavior that interferes with their lives.”
18% of boys were targeted “often”.
42% of boys have been inappropriately touched,
grabbed or pinched.
23% of boys have been called “gay” in a derogatory
manner.
Where does
sexual harassment
occur in schools?
STATISTICS:
School Hallways: 66%
Classrooms: 55%
School Grounds: 43%
Gym or Playing Fields: 43%
Cafeteria: 34%
School Bus: 26%
Field Trip: 24%
School Parking Lot: 18%
Locker Room: 18%
Restrooms: 10%
3 Types of Sexual Harassment
VISUAL – inappropriate instant message or email, bathroom wall
graffiti, showing someone inappropriate pictures that makes them
feel uncomfortable, obscene gestures
VERBAL – dirty jokes, comments about someone’s body, spreading
rumors of a sexual nature
PHYSICAL – grabbing or touching someone that makes them feel
uncomfortable, unwanted hugging or kissing, pulling down
someone’s pants
VERBAL, VISUAL OR PHYSICAL?
Jasmine spreads rumors all over school that Tonya is only popular
because “She gives guys what they want.”
Kirk writes a gross message about Joy on the wall of the boys’
bathroom.
Walter tries to pants Jason on the bus.
On a field trip, Ron plants himself next to Sophie and keeps pushing
up against her, even when she tries to move away.
Emily keeps giving Aaron flirtatious notes and leaving phone
messages even though he’s made it clear that he doesn’t want this
attention.
Anthony’s dirty jokes at the lunch table embarrass Lauren. She tries
to ignore him, but he doesn’t stop even after she asks him to.
FLIRTING VS. SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Flirting
Sexual Harassment
 Flirting is welcome attention.
 Sexual harassment makes us feel
 Flirting goes both ways.

 Flirting makes you feel attractive.

 Flirting makes you feel in control.

 Flirting makes you feel good about
yourself.
 Flirting is legal.


uncomfortable.
Sexual harassment is one-sided.
Sexual harassment feels
degrading.
Sexual harassment makes you
feel powerless.
Sexual harassment makes you
feel bad about yourself.
Sexual harassment is a violation
of school rules AND is illegal.
Flirting vs. Harassment –
Put it to the test!
“You are really looking good today.”
“Those tight jeans look great.”
“That sweater makes your eyes look blue.”
“With that body, you could be a model.”
“I love your new haircut.”
“You look so sexy in that dress.”
“Those track shorts look cute on you.”
How does sexual harassment affect
the victim?
Physical Effects:
Emotional Effects: School
Performance
Effects:
Changes in body
Anger / Irritability Acting out
weight
Depression
Damaged reputation
Illness
Loss of trust in
Drop in quality of
Dependence on
others
work
alcohol / drugs
Embarrassment
Declining grades
Headaches/stomach Low self-esteem
Switching schools
aches
Fear / Intimidated Switching classes
Sleeplessness
Self-blame
Tardiness
Ulcers
Powerlessness
Truancy
Katy and the Bathroom Wall
Part 1:
What would you recommend Katy do?
If Katy reported the incident, who should she report it to?
Part 2:
What would you recommend Katy do?
If Katy reported the incident, who should she report it to now?
Part 3:
What would you recommend?
A.
B.
C.
Katy should ignore the whole issue?
Katy could transfer to another school?
Katy could report the incident. If so, to who?
The New Boy, Taunted and
Targeted
Part 1:
In your opinion, do you think this is sexual harassment?
Why or why not?
Part 2:
Rob says that boys are trapped in a double bind, liking
and disliking the attention at the same time. Can you
explain this? Do you think he is right?
If you were in Rob’s shoes, what would you do?
What to do if it happens to you?
Step 1: Communicate to your harasser what you are feeling and that
you expect the behavior to stop. You can do this verbally or in writing.
If you choose, you may get help and support from a friend, parent,
professional or another trusted adult.
Step 2: If the person does not stop when you ask them to, report the
harassment to the appropriate person in your school including a
teacher, counselor, or administrator and tell your parents. Document
exactly what happened giving as many details and quotes when
possible.
Step 3: If the behavior is repeated again, go to a person in higher
authority, such as a school board member or superintendant. Be
persistent!
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
 Refuse
to join in when you see someone being
harassed. Don’t ignore it.
 If you feel safe doing so, step in and interrupt the
harassment.
 Get support, tell an adult that you trust. Don’t be a
bystander.
 Talk to the person being harassed and try to get them
to talk to an adult. Offer to go with them. Overall, be
supportive!
NOBODY DESERVES TO BE SEXUALLY
HARASSED!