Definition:

Sexual Harassment is
defined by the law as
any unwanted
attention of a sexual
nature.
What is Sexual Harassment?
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 doesnt
hurt anyone.
Girls ask to be sexually harassed by the way they
dress or behave.
Theres nothing a person can do to stop
harassment.
Guys cannot be sexually harassed.
Girls like to be sexually harassed. Its 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 6
th
to 9
th

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 someones
body, spreading rumors of a sexual nature

PHYSICAL grabbing or touching someone that makes
them feel uncomfortable, unwanted hugging or kissing,
pulling down someones 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 hes made it clear that he doesnt want
this attention.
Anthonys dirty jokes at the lunch table embarrass Lauren.
She tries to ignore him, but he doesnt stop even after she
asks him to.


FLIRTING VS. SEXUAL
HARASSMENT
Flirting Sexual Harassment
Flirting is welcome attention.
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.

Sexual harassment makes
us feel 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
weight
Illness
Dependence on
alcohol / drugs
Headaches/stoma
ch aches
Sleeplessness
Ulcers
Anger / Irritability
Depression
Loss of trust in
others
Embarrassment
Low self-esteem
Fear / Intimidated
Self-blame
Powerlessness
Acting out
Damaged
reputation
Drop in quality of
work
Declining grades
Switching schools
Switching classes
Tardiness
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. Katy should ignore the whole issue?
B. Katy could transfer to another school?
C. 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 Robs shoes, what would you do?
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!


What to do if it happens to you?
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Refuse to join in when you see someone being
harassed. Dont ignore it.
If you feel safe doing so, step in and interrupt
the harassment.
Get support, tell an adult that you trust. Dont
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!