1. 4.4.2 Gender: Sexual Harassment
I recognise that power can exist within relationships and can be used positively as well as negatively. HWB 4-45a
I reflect on how my attitudes, beliefs, values and morality can influence my decisions about friendships, relationships and sexual behaviour. HWB 4-46a
I know how to access services, information and support if my sexual health and wellbeing is at risk. I am aware of my rights in relation to sexual health including my right to confidentiality, and my responsibilities, including those under the law. HWB 4-48a
I know where to get support and help with situations involving abuse and I understand that there are laws which protect me from different kinds of abuse. HWB 4-49b
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2. What is sexual harassment?
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3. What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual behaviour which compromises your dignity and makes you feel offended, humiliated, intimidated or threatened.
Sexual harassment can be verbal (someone saying things), non-verbal (how someone acts or looks at you) or physical (someone touching you in some way). It can range from rude remarks about your appearance to violence and assault, and can include when someone:
Says something to you that is sexual to hurt you or make you feel bad
Ask you questions or comments about your sex life
Demands that you do something sexual to them
Stares at you in a way you feel is sexual
Shows you something sexual or pornographic at school or in a workplace
Touches you when you do not want them to, such as brushing up against you or pinching you
Flashes their genitals at you.
Sexual harassment can be face-to-face, indirect or online. Sexual harassment can also include stalking, sexual assault and rape, these are also serious criminal offences on their own and so should not just be seen as sexual harassment.
Although most victims of sexual harassment are women, harassed by men, men can also be harassed by women. Lesbian, gay and bisexual people may also find themselves harassed or bullied by people of either sex.
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4. Sexual harassment: an example “When I go to gigs this year, I’m going in the pits. You get really warm, and one time I was wearing fishnet tights and some shorts and a spiky bra and a guy just thought he had the right to feel me up and he actually put his hand in my bra and I thought that was really disgusting ‘cause I was like, ‘I’m not dressed like this to give you a free pass’. I hadn’t bought it in an underwear section, I was wearing stuff that was meant for outside so… people say to me well you’re obviously trying to be provocative but I’m not dressing like this for them I’m dressing like this for myself. It’s unfair. It shouldn’t just be free touching because you are wearing something shorter!”
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5. Over 90% of young women say sexual harassment happens at school
Over 90% of young women say sexual harassment happens at school. What kind of things can happen in a school that we could understand as sexual harassment?
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6. Teachers often tell a girl to ignore sexual harassment
So, if someone experiences sexual harassment in school why might they not report it? Research by Girlguiding Scotland says that girls/young women tell them that:
Teachers often tell a girl to ignore sexual harassment
Teachers don’t understand what you can go through as a young woman in school
Teachers might dismiss sexual harassment as just banter, “boys mucking around”
You might not have a teacher you can trust to tell
If you report it a teacher might not keep it confidential
There aren’t private spaces to report things like this to a teacher you trust
If you report sexual harassment you are then more likely to be bullied or teased.
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7. What should we be doing in this school to tackle sexual harassment?
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8. White Ribbon Scotland
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9. If you experience sexual harassment….
It is not your fault. It is never your fault.
Speak to someone you trust at home or in school.
Use ChildLine counsellor chat for confidential support.
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