Sexual Violence & Harassment 1

Purpose 83% of girls & 60% of boys report experiencing sexual harassment in school. 90% of victims know their assailant. 1 in 5 women will experience sexual harassment in her lifetime. 2

Agenda 1.Defining Sexual Harassment & Sexual Violence 2.Signs of Abuse 3.Protecting Yourself 4.Taking Action 5.Resources 3

What is Sexual Harassment? “Unwanted and unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that interferes with the right to receive equal educational opportunity.” Includes: ▫Words (written & spoken) ▫Gestures ▫Unwanted contact Can take place in person or electronically All sex & genders are affected 4

Forms of Sexual Harassment 1.Quid Pro Quo 2.Hostile Environment 5

Quid Pro Quo “This for that” When something is promised in exchange for sexual favors When rejecting one’s sexual advances leads to your own job loss, being cut from the team, or having another benefit taken away Usually done by a person in authority (teacher, coach, boss) 6

Hostile Environment Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that makes one uncomfortable Severe, persistent, pervasive Limits a student’s ability to participate in regular activities Most common type of sexual harassment in schools 7

Sexual Violence Rape Assault Coercion Battery Domestic Violence Stalking Dating Violence 8 Alcohol plays a role in 75% of all sexual assaults. Consent cannot be given (or withheld) if one is incapacitated or physically helpless.

Protecting Yourself 1.Trust your instincts 2.Stay alert 3.Use your phone 4.Don’t let your guard down 5.Be assertive 6.Use the Buddy System 9

Signs of Abuse Observed abusive behavior Signs of injury Inconsistent explanation of injuries Belittling, overly-critical, low self-esteem Seemingly afraid about keeping partner happy Partner obsessively monitoring, over-protective Isolating from friends & family Partner limits money or transportation Misses work or school without explanation Anxious about keeping partner informed of whereabouts 10

Your Role Report all instances of sexual harassment Keep pushing until someone listens Express your concern to friends who may be victims of abuse Take action, if you are able. 11

Taking Action 1.Assess the situation. ▫Respectful? ▫Consensual? ▫Non-sexual? 2.Do not assume that others will act. ▫Bystander Effect 3.Before stepping in, ask yourself… ▫What resources are available? ▫Is it safe for me to act? ▫Who else can help me? 12

Ways to Step In Situation: You are at a house party when you notice a female classmate talking with a male classmate. She appears to be drunk. When her back is turned, you watch the male classmate pour more beer into her cup, then turn to give a thumbs up to his buddies across the room. You start to feel uncomfortable. What could you do? o Talk to your friends about the situation o Talk with his friends about the situation o Create a distraction (interrupt or join their conversation) o Enlist others to help out or step in o Ask the female classmate if everything is okay or if she has any friends who can walk/drive her home 13

Report all incidents of sexual violence Primary concern: safety It is not the victim’s fault Victims of sexual harassment or assault are not subject to disciplinary action 14

Test your knowledge True or false: Sexual harassment is unwanted behavior of a sexual nature. 15

Test your knowledge True or false: Only girls/women are sexually harassed. 16

Test your knowledge True or false: In order for an action to be considered sexual harassment, the victim has to be the opposite sex or gender of the offender. 17

Test your knowledge True or false: You only have to report sexual harassment if the victim says that it’s okay. 18

Test your knowledge True or false: It is considered sexual assault if you have sexual contact with someone who is incapacitated (or physically helpless). 19

Test your knowledge True or false: You don’t have to act or report sexual harassment if there are multiple witnesses. 20

Resources Cornerstone: Tubman Domestic Abuse: Crisis Connection: The Bridge for Youth: Sexual Violence Center: Hennepin Country Child Crisis Team: Walk-In Counseling Center:

Visit the School-Based Clinic 22 Stop by with questions or more resources We are located in E021 Hours: 8:30AM – 3:00PM Phone Number: Find us online:

References American Association of University Women. (1993). Hostile hallways: The AAUW survey on sexual harassment in America's schools. Washington, DC: Author. Author Unknown (2014). Sexual misconduct policy and procedures. Bethel University & Bethel University Foundation. Saint Paul, Minnesota. Stein, Nan (2000). Sexual harassment in schools. National Violence Against Women Prevention Research Center. Retrieved 16 Sept