There is a missing piece entirely, concerning many sex education programs. I never remember learning about sexual harassment or sexual assault. These two VERY important topics were never discussed in my own personal experience in my sex education program. If students do not learn about these two concepts, they may never know they are even being sexually assaulted or sexually harassed. Students need to understand conversations and encounters that they may experience in their futures, which is why I am going to provide brief information pertaining to both of these crucial concepts in life.
Sexual Harassment: "Those jeans are looking real tight these days" - fellow classmate, colleague, etc
- It is any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical act of a sexual nature.
- This results from the behavior of someone who is trying to have power over you such as an employer, supervisor/manager, teacher, co-worker, fellow student, just to name a few.
- Both men and women can be sexually harassed
- It can be: repeated sexual remarks, jokes, or teasing, unwanted comments about your body or clothing, requests or demands for sexual favors, insulting sounds, staring at your body, touching oneself sexually in front of others - Most of these behaviors are NOT allowed on school property and most places of employment
- How it affects the victim: You may feel scared, angry, depressed, trapped, powerless, embarrassed, stressed, unable to concentrate, and lower self-esteem and confidence levels as a result
- What to do if you are being harassed: Tell the person that is harassing you that it is offensive and ask him/her to stop. Record the harassment and your reactions as well as any eye witnesses. Talk to a teacher, administrator, and parents about your concerns. If nothing is being done to put a stop to this harassment, contact the Office of Civil Rights, State Department of Human Rights, Rape Crisis Service of Planned Parenthood, or an attorney
Sexual Assault: "She's just asking for trouble by dressing like that" - Misconception
- It is any forced non-consenting sexual act. This includes rape, sodomy, child sexual abuse, incest, or unwanted touching.
- Sexual assault is about power and control
- It is NOT about feelings, affection, or love
- Awareness is our best chance for reducing the risk of becoming a victim *** Yet, it's not taught in most sex education programs, interesting point.
- Rape can happen to anyone - children, students, wives, mothers, the rich and the poor, boys, and men.
- Be assertive - NO means NO!!
- Trust your instincts. If it feels like a dangerous situation, it is.
- Limit alcohol and drugs. They impair your judgment and make you vulnerable
- Watch any of your drinks (alcohol or non-alcoholic). Date rape drugs do exist
- Communicate boundaries. Set sex limits. Have conversations with your boyfriend/girlfriend/partner, etc
- If someone is sexually assaulted: Victims are not to blame. Seek medical or law enforcement help
- Medical: treatment of STDs, pregnancy prevention, HIV/AIDS, treatment for physical injuries, or evidence collection for any type of assault
- Law Enforcement: report to the police, file a proxy report through the Rape Crisis Service
- Counseling: victims may find they are struggling after the assault - lack of concentration, lack of trust, nightmares, panic attacks, stress, fatigue, irritability, etc
"It is estimated that one in three women and one in seven men will become the victim of some form of sexual assault in their lifetime"
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| Talk with Your Children about Sex - Listen to them, Support them, Give them accurate information |
Free Confidential Services - Rape Crisis Service (Monroe County 546-2777)
www.pprsr.org/rapecrisis
Planned Parenthood of the Rochester/Syracuse Region, Inc.
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