1. 8th Grade Lesson 5B Sex & the Law TEACHER SCRIPT:
This presentation addresses various topics– sexual harassment, criminal law, and sexual abuse.
Teenagers often assume, “I’m just a kid, right? The law can’t touch me.” You will see that your age does not keep you from having to pay the price for inappropriate sexual activity. Victims of sexual abuse are protected by special laws.

2. Sexual Harassment…
is unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
unreasonably interferes with an individual’s life, including schoolwork performance, due to an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.
TEACHER SCRIPT:
Read the slide.
If these behaviors make the victim unable to do well in school, make them unable to concentrate, and force the person to avoid certain classes or places where they see the harasser, the harasser would be committing sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment occurs if the behaviors may create an environment where the girl or boy feels uncomfortable. They may not want to come to school anymore. Others who witness the harassment may begin to feel uncomfortable also.
United States. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. "Facts About Sexual Harassment."

3. Behavior that is unwelcomed, hostile, offensive, and/or degrading
Sexual Harassment
Behavior that is unwelcomed, hostile, offensive, and/or degrading
TEACHER SCRIPT:
If someone makes an unwelcome comment or does something sexually suggestive, it is a form of sexual harassment. Tell the person to stop because that comment or action was offensive. If they do it again, report them to a teacher, counselor, administrator, or trusted adult.

4. Examples of Harassment
Comments about or staring at body parts
Sexual or “dirty” jokes
Touching, pinching, or grabbing
Spreading sexual rumors
Sexual gestures or drawings
Cornering or blocking someone
Sending suggestive pictures through or on cell phones (sexting is a felony!)
TEACHER SCRIPT:
This slide contains numerous examples of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment can be verbal, nonverbal, or physical. An example of nonverbal harassment would be if someone made inappropriate hand gestures as another student walked into the room. The person doing the harassing and the victim do not have to agree that harassment is occurring. For example, the person doing the inappropriate hand gestures may say that they were only joking; but if the victim feels uncomfortable, embarrassed, or threatened, then it may be a case of harassment if the behavior has occurred more than once. Notice that harassment can occur via computers and cell phones and other modern technology.
"What Is Sexual Harassment?" Women's Supportive Services of Sullivan County, New Hampshire

5. An Example of Sexual Harassment
A boy you know keeps leaving “love letters” with suggestive sexual content in your locker. You have told him to leave you alone and that you are not interested in him. However, he continues to leave the letters even though you told him to stop.
TEACHER SCRIPT:
Is this sexual harassment? (Read the slide.) Yes, the boy is harassing you with sexually explicit comments in the form of letters. This is an unwelcome, repeated behavior.
What would you do if you were in this situation? If she tells him to stop and he doesn’t, she should tell her parents or a trusted adult. School officials should be told so that they can handle the situation. She might want to write down each time she received a letter from him and keep the letters.
Would it be hard for you to have to tell someone about harassment? Why? Remember, a victim of harassment often feels embarrassed or ashamed. You can control your behavior. You can’t control another person’s behavior. You have the right to go to school in a comfortable environment free from harassment. If you don’t tell, no one can help make it stop.
In the example we discussed, a boy was harassing a girl. Girls can also be guilty of harassing guys. Both situations are equally wrong.

6. Sexual Harassment Tell the harasser to stop.
Tell a teacher, counselor, administrator, or trusted adult.
TEACHER SCRIPT:
If you have been sexually harassed, tell the individual to stop. If they do not stop, report it. No one has the right to sexually harass you.
NOTE: As a professional, if you are the first person a student tells they are being abused, you must report it. If you do not know how to file a report, inquire with your administration or research reporting guidelines for your state on the internet.

7. Criminal Law: Sexual Activity as a Teen
TEACHER SCRIPT:
Criminal laws address such acts as public lewdness, indecent exposure, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, and indecency with a child. We will discuss these offenses during this presentation. Laws are in place to protect citizens. Be aware that your age does not protect you from being punished under the law. Consequences for sexual crimes range from curfew, to jail, or even prison time.
It Can be Against the LAW!

8. Age of Consent What does this mean?
Age of consent is the age at which state law says you are old enough to make the decision whether or not to have sex.
TEACHER SCRIPT:
Read the slide.
Although some teens think they are ready to have sex, the law may say differently depending on your age and your state. For example, in Texas, you must be 17 years of age to legally consent to sex while in California, it is 18.
NOTE: Google “age of consent for sex in (your state)” to find information specific for your state or consult with a local attorney or the attorney general’s office for your state or county.

9. Age of Consent
Each state determines the legal age difference between two people having sex when at least one is a minor.
TEACHER SCRIPT:
Laws regarding sexual consent are meant to protect children and adolescents. Many states set limits on the age difference between sexual partners when at least one is a minor. For example, in Texas there is the “three year rule.” If there is greater than a three year difference in age between the minor and the person they are having sex with, this is against the law. For example, if a 15 year old is having sex with a 19 year old, this is illegal in Texas. According to Florida law, a person 24 years of age or older who engages in sexual activity with a person 16 or 17 years of age commits a felony.

10. Criminal Law Defines Sex
According to the law, sexual contact is intentional touching of the anus, breasts, or genitals with the intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire.
TEACHER SCRIPT:
You may think that having “sex” means vaginal intercourse only. In the legal system, this is not the case. Sexual contact is the intentional touching of the anus, breasts, or genitals with intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire. The definition may vary slightly from state to state. So while sexual intercourse is a type of sexual activity, the term “sexual contact” refers to many other behaviors as well. Do you know the definition of sexual contact in your state?
Running into someone on the basketball court or accidentally bumping into someone while trying to get to your locker is not considered sexual contact. However, if you intentionally touch someone’s genitals or breasts, that is considered sexual contact. For example, you could get in trouble with the law for purposely touching someone on the breast or buttocks while they walking down the hall at school.
NOTE: Determine the exact definition of sexual contact for your state.

11. It’s ALL Sex! Outercourse Oral Sex Anal Sex Vaginal Sex
TEACHER SCRIPT:
Sex is sex! Rather than having vaginal sex (penetration of the vagina by the penis), some teens engage in other types of sexual activities to try to avoid pregnancy and because they believe they are still technically virgins. They don’t think these acts are actually having sex. You need to know that the law considers these as sexual acts and that the same legal consequences can apply to these activities as to vaginal sex. Do you remember the definitions of all these types of sexual activity?
Vaginal Sex

12. Who is Involved? Victim - the person who receives the offense
Perpetrator - the person who commits the offense; the offender
TEACHER SCRIPT:
Crimes involve the person committing the crime and those who are affected by the crime. For sexual offenses, they are often referred to as the perpetrator and the victim.

13. Types of Crimes
A misdemeanor is a crime less serious than a felony and punishable by a fine, jail time, or both.
A felony is a serious crime punishable by prison time or death.
TEACHER SCRIPT:
So what happens if you break the law regarding sexual contact? Depending on what happened, you could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. A misdemeanor is a crime less serious than a felony, but there are still consequences. A felony is a serious crime for which the consequences can be imprisonment.

14. Misdemeanor Sexual Offenses
Disorderly Conduct
(Mooning)
Indecent Exposure
(Flashing)
Public Lewdness
(Sexual activity in a public place)
TEACHER SCRIPT:
Disorderly conduct is defined as the making of an offensive gesture or display that disturbs the peace in a public place. As a joke, a person exposes themselves by mooning a crowd. Since there is no intent to arouse, they could be charged with the crime of disorderly conduct.
Indecent exposure is exposing your genitals with the intent to arouse. An example would be a boy who unzips his pants and exposes his penis to a group of girls in order to arouse himself or the girls.
Public lewdness is any sexual offense committed in a public place or while being reckless about exposure. For example, if a couple has sex in the back of a car in a public park, they could be charged with public lewdness. If a person views a pornographic DVD or magazine in a public place such as an airport, this could also be considered public lewdness.
Sexual conduct is not legal in public. Committing these offenses could result in jail time for adults and probation or jail for juveniles.

15. Felony Sexual Offenses
Indecency with a Child
Sexual Assault (rape)
Aggravated Sexual Assault
TEACHER SCRIPT:
Indecency with a child, sexual assault (rape), and aggravated sexual assault are all examples of sexual offenses that are classified as felonies. Felonies are more serious crimes than misdemeanors and have harsher consequences. Let’s look at each of these offenses in more detail.

16. Indecency with a Child Sexual contact with a child
Indecent exposure when a child is present
TEACHER SCRIPT:
Any type of sexual contact with a child is a felony offense called indecency with a child. For example, a 14-year old girl and a 19-year old boy are making out and they both agree to have oral sex. Even though the act was not forced on the girl, the law will not recognize her as legally able to consent; the boy could be charged with indecency with a child by contact.
Earlier we talked about the misdemeanor offense of indecent exposure (flashing). If a child under the age of 17 is present, that misdemeanor may become a felony. For example, if a person (adult or juvenile) exposed their genitals to a group of neighborhood children, they could be accused of and prosecuted for their indecency with a child by exposure. Specific ages of the child or adolescent will whom someone had sexual contact or indecent exposure is determined by each state.
NOTE: Know the laws in your state. For example, in Texas indecent exposure with a child could be anyone under the age of 17. In most states, this age is the same as the legal age of consent for sex.

17. Sexual Assault (Rape)
Sexual intercourse, oral sex, contact with or penetration of the genitals or anus of a child
Using force or threats to accomplish any of these acts regardless of age
Most sexual assaults, like child sexual abuse, are committed by someone the victim knows
TEACHER SCRIPT:
Sexual assault is commonly known as “rape.” Sexual assault is any genital, oral, or anal penetration by a part of the body or object without the victim’s consent, or doing those things to someone under the legal age of consent. Remember, under the law, no one under the legal age of consent can legally consent to sexual activity. Therefore, even if that person says “yes,” the law says “no.” Just like with childhood sexual abuse, most sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows.
An example of sexual assault would be the case of a 15-year old boy and his 15-year old girlfriend. They are on a date; the boy wants to have sex and the girl refuses. Despite her refusal, he forces her to have sexual intercourse. He has committed sexual assault which is a felony. The girl, her parents, or the police could file charges accusing the boy of this crime. At 15, he could be tried as a juvenile and receive a 20-year sentence in juvenile justice system but be transferred to an adult prison as early as his 16th birthday to complete serving his sentence. Depending on the details of the crime and the state, he could be prosecuted as a juvenile or an adult and face prison time and a very large fine. Forcing sex on someone else is a serious crime no matter what your age.

18. Aggravated Sexual Assault
Sex involving any of the following. . .
a child under the age of consent (forced or unforced)
threats of death, serious injury, or kidnapping
a deadly weapon -- including hands
drugs
TEACHER SCRIPT:
Sexual assault becomes aggravated sexual assault, commonly referred to as statutory rape, if the victim is very young or if the crime involves kidnapping, serious injury, threats, drugs, or a deadly weapon. Even hands can be considered deadly weapons.
An example of aggravated sexual assault is if a guy puts drugs in a girl’s drink to impair her ability to think and react so that he can have sex with her. Even if she is older than the legal age of consent, the drugs make the girl unable to legally consent to sexual activity, and the guy could be charged with the felony of aggravated sexual assault.
Another example of aggravated sexual assault involves children or very young teen. Many states have specific ages for this type of crime. For example, in Texas, having sex with someone under the age of 14 is a serious felony, even if that person wanted to have sex. It doesn’t matter, a 14 year old is too young to have sex according to Texas law.

19. Possessing or Administering Date Rape Drugs Is a FELONY!
Rohypnol (flunitrazepam)
street name: Roofies
GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate)
street names: Liquid X, Grievous Bodily Harm, Easy Lay, Saltwater, Gammo O
Ketamine
street name: K, Special K, Vitamin K, New Ecstasy, Psychedelic Heroin, Ketalar, Ketaject, Super-K and Breakfast Cereal
TEACHER SCRIPT:
The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines date rape drugs as a drug administered secretly in a drink to induce an unconscious or sedated state in a potential date rape victim.
It is very important that you are careful of what you drink, especially at parties. Drugs can easily be slipped into punch bowls or individual drinks. Don’t go to parties that are not supervised by responsible adults.
The slide has three examples of date rape drugs. They usually cause a person to appear extremely drunk, lose coordination, become very drowsy, and go into a deep sleep. This generally happens minutes after drinking it. The effects can last for several hours. After victims wake up, they usually can’t remember what happened. When mixed with alcohol or other drugs, the effects of date rape drugs are magnified and can even lead to death.
Possession or delivery of these date rape drugs is a felony. They are classified in the same way as cocaine, and the penalty range is determined by weight of the drug. These drugs are extremely dangerous.

20. People convicted of felonies may. . .
NEVER legally carry a firearm
NEVER hold public office
Lose their licenses (driving, fishing, hunting, professional)
Have to report felony convictions when applying for a job
TEACHER SCRIPT:
In addition to serving time in prison, people convicted of a felony offense can never legally own, possess, use, or transport a firearm of any kind. Nor will they ever be allowed to hold public office. Both adults and juveniles convicted of felony offenses may be required to report that conviction on future job applications. A convicted felon may also lose licenses such as driving, hunting, fishing, and even professional certificates such as those for teaching, law, and medicine.

21. Punishments for Sexual Crimes
Boot Camp
Curfew
Fines
Community Service
State Youth Commission (juveniles only)
Prison
Probation
Special Programs
Court Costs
TEACHER SCRIPT:
Sentences are determined based on the level of the offense committed, the facts of the particular offense, and the criminal history of the offender. Often the younger the victim, the more severe the punishment. Punishments can range from court costs to prison time and large fines. Often a punishment will include several of these items. All crimes are different, and the punishment is designed to fit the crime.

22. Registering as a Sex Offender
TEACHER SCRIPT:
If someone commits a sexual offense that is classified as a felony, they will be required to register as a sex offender. Registering as a sex offender with local law enforcement agencies is mandatory for both adults and juveniles convicted of sexual offenses against children. A federal crime measure called “Megan’s Law” requires all 50 states to inform the public of convicted sex offenders. The law considers public safety more important than the privacy rights of persons convicted of sexual offenses.
If required to register as a sex offender, the person’s picture and address may be published for community awareness (newspaper, flyers, etc.) and may even be posted on the Internet. A judge can also assign other punishments such as requiring a sex offender to post a large sign at his/her residence to alert neighbors that a sex offender lives at that address.
has links to every state’s registry and registry laws.

23. Cyber Assault: Child Pornography
The Internet creates easy access to child pornography
unwanted exposure to sexual images or pornographic web sites
sexual or aggressive solicitation
pedophiles
TEACHER SCRIPT:
While the Internet provides an easy way to do research for school work and “talk” with friends, it also allows pedophiles (people who exploit young children) easy access to children. Sexual predators (people who victimize others in a sexual way) can now find victims through the Internet. You may be surfing the web and accidentally come upon an unwanted sexual image or pornographic web site. Or you may have received a sexual solicitation while on a social website from a sexual predator asking you to do something inappropriate. These predators target young people by posing as a teenager to obtain personal information about them. This exchange of information may lead to invitations to meet the pedophile. This is called an aggressive solicitation (invitation). You need to tell an adult (parent, teacher, or police officer) immediately if this happens to you. The number of on-line pedophile cases is increasing every year, so report anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or you know is wrong. NEVER put or share personal information on a website that could identify exactly who you are or where you live.

24. Online Sexual Offenses
It is illegal to make sexual suggestions or send nude photos over the Internet or by phone to someone under the age of consent.
TEACHER SCRIPT:
The Internet is a huge component in all of our lives. Be aware that you are responsible for your actions while on the Internet, and you can be held liable for making sexual suggestions to a person under the age of consent. When online, be careful not to disclose personal information because you can put yourself at risk for victimization. In addition, never agree to meet someone you don’t know! If someone tries to encourage you to do this, please discuss this with your parents or another trusted adult.
SEXTING

25. Porn Laws for Sexting Teens
In most states, teenagers who send or receive sexually explicit photographs by cell phone or computer, known as sexting, have risked felony child pornography charges and being listed on a sex offender registry for decades.
There are real risks that sexually explicit pictures, meant to be shared only with a friend or partner, will make their way into wide publication on the Internet and into the hands of sexual predators.
TEACHER SCRIPT:
Read the slide.
NewsObserver.com

26. Do Teens Really get Prosecuted??
TEACHER SCRIPT:
Teens assume they will not get prosecuted for sexual assault with someone in their own school, but there are cases of students prosecuted and sentenced for sexual assault. Consider these two cases where teens were sentenced to prison for consensual (the girl said okay) sex. In Texas, a young man had sex with a girl who said she was 16. She was actually 12. He was sentenced to 60 years in prison.
In Georgia, a 15 year old girl engaged in oral sex with a 17 year old boy. He was convicted of a felony and spent 2 years in prison.
Yes!!

27. You are the Expert: True or False?
Sexual assault usually happens when someone is walking down a dark street by themselves.
False. Sexual assault usually happens at the victim’s or the perpetrator’s home
TEACHER SCRIPT:
Based on our discussion, respond to the following statements on the slides to follow.
The perpetrators are usually known by the victims, and the crimes usually occur at a place well known to both of them.

28. Rapists are easy to spot in a crowd because they look eerie.
You are the Expert:
True or False?
Rapists are easy to spot in a crowd because they look eerie.
False. Most rapists appear to be no different than anyone else. They can be young, married and appear normal. They can be of any race, color, or economic class.
TEACHER SCRIPT:
You can’t look at someone and tell that they are a rapist. That is why you should never get into an automobile with someone you don’t know well. They may seem fine because you’ve seen them around, but a rapist looks like everyone else.

29. NO ONE!!!! You are the Expert: True or False?
It’s not rape if it’s your boyfriend and he spends a lot of money on you.
False. It doesn’t matter who it is, and it doesn’t matter how much they spend on you. No one has the right to expect sex from you.
TEACHER SCRIPT:
No one has the right to force you into sexual activity. There is no amount of money a person can spend on you to be able to expect sex.
NO ONE!!!!

30. Most people who are raped report it and get help.
You are the Expert:
True or False?
Most people who are raped report it and get help.
False. Most victims of sexual assault do not report it, and do not get help.
TEACHER SCRIPT:
Unfortunately, most victims are embarrassed of what happened and the fear of the perpetrator to keep them from reporting sexual abuse. If you do not report the abuser, that individual might abuse you again or someone else. If you are ever abused, report it because you could keep someone else from being abused. Remember, it is NEVER your fault. Find a trusted person to help you report the abuse.

31. If a girl says yes it’s not rape. After all, she did say yes.
You are the Expert:
True or False?
If a girl says yes it’s not rape After all, she did say yes.
False, if a person is under the age of consent or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, by law, they cannot consent to sex.
TEACHER SCRIPT:
Even if someone lies about their age, it is still illegal to have sex with them if they are under the legal age of consent for sex. Using any kind of drugs or alcohol to encourage someone to have sex is a felony.
Example: An 18 year old guy has sex with a girl who says she is 15. She is actually only 13 years old. Her parents find out about the sex and contact the police. The 18 year old may have to face charges for aggravated sexual assault which is a serious felony.

32. can help you avoid getting in trouble with the law.
Making good decisions. . .
TEACHER SCRIPT:
Making good decisions about your sexual conduct will help you avoid the legal ramifications you could face. Offenses committed when you are young can follow you far into adulthood. It is important that you understand the laws. There are serious legal consequences for sexual offenses.
can help you avoid getting in trouble with the law.

33. Sex & the LAW
Having sex as a pre-teen or young teenager can result in serious medical and emotional problems. That’s why all states have laws to protect you.
If someone is having sex with you, they may be committing a serious crime!
TEACHER SCRIPT:
Read slide. Most 8th graders are 13 or 14 years of age which is too young to have sex in most states. The person having sex with you may be committing a serious crime.
NOTE: It is important to know the exact age in your state for age of consent and statutory rape (aggravated sexual assault).

34. Have a personal plan. . . Set sexual limits NOW.
Communicate your limits.
Be with others who RESPECT those limits.
TEACHER SCRIPT:
It is important to set sexual limits before you start dating. Remember that the further you go, the greater the likelihood you will eventually have sex. Not only vaginal sex, oral sex, anal sex, and outercourse are SEX and can spread STDs. They also are likely to lead to vaginal intercourse. So, before getting into a situation that could be sexual, identify the kind of touching you are comfortable with. Then, let these limits be your guide as you begin any relationship and are faced with sexual situations. It is important to communicate these limits to your date/partner and friends. Don’t assume they know your wishes. You have the right to change these limits at any time.
Develop relationships with people who treat you with kindness and respect. Select activities and locations that are safe and where trusted adults are available.
Choosing abstinence helps you avoid many of these concerns and worries.

35. Avoid risky situations. . .
Parties where there are drugs or alcohol
Dating much older partners
Being alone where no one can help if needed
Leaving a party or crowd with someone you don’t know extremely well
TEACHER SCRIPT:
You need to avoid situations that put you at risk for unwanted sexual activity such as a much older partner, drugs or alcohol present, being alone with a date where no one can help if needed, or leaving a party alone with someone you don’t know extremely well. Hang out with groups of friends and remain aware of your surroundings at all times. Listen when your instincts tell you a situation is dangerous.
Protect yourself by avoiding vulnerable situations, not giving in to negative peer pressure, not maintaining loyalties to “friends” who get into illegal situations, and always thinking of your future when making decisions today.
Another thing to avoid is relying on the media to set an example for you. The pop culture is so sexually saturated that it is important for you and your parents/guardians to establish your own set of sexual limits without being influenced by what you see in videos, on TV, or in the movies. The media and advertisers do not necessarily want what is best for you. They will not come to your aid if you contract an STD because you followed a bad example which some have put forth in their magazines, DVDs, etc.

36. Realize that. . . No one has the right to expect sex.
“I spent a lot of money on her.”
“She led me on.”
No one has the right to force or pressure you into ANY sexual activity.
Pressuring someone to have sex means you don’t respect them.
Forced sex is against the law.
TEACHER SCRIPT:
Some people may have distorted expectations that in certain situations they are entitled to sex. They may think if someone flirts with them, leads them on, or they have spent a lot of money on them, that it is okay to expect or force sex. You need to realize that you never “owe” anyone sex for any reason, and you always have the right to say “No” to any form of sexual activity at any time and any place! Sex should be a respectful act mutually agreed upon by two adults who can legally consent. If someone says “No,” they mean “No”! Pressuring someone to have sex shows how much you don’t respect that person. Forced sex is always against the law.

37. What if I Was Forced? Don’t blame yourself -- it is NEVER your fault.
Get help -- tell someone you can trust and REPORT the abuse or assault.
BE BELIEVED.
TEACHER SCRIPT:
It is never your fault if you are abused or forced to have sex. NO ONE has the right to touch your private areas or make you participate in any type of sexual activity. If an adult asks you to keep a secret about touching you in a way that makes you uncomfortable, you need to tell someone you trust. If a friend or a date forces you to have sex, you need to tell someone.
It takes courage to tell someone about bad things that have happened to you, and you might not be ready to tell someone right away. There are many adults around who want to help you. Find someone you feel comfortable telling; and as soon as you are ready, report the abuse. Try telling a parent first. If that is not possible, you can report the abuse to a teacher, counselor, nurse, doctor, coach, or minister. If the first person you tell doesn’t believe you, tell someone else. Keep telling until someone believes you.
Many times sex offenders abuse more than one time and more than one person. To protect yourself and others, it is important to tell someone about the abuse.

38. No matter what your past, make the decision now not to have sex!
Renewed
Abstinence
TEACHER SCRIPT:
Even if you have been sexually active in the past, it is never too late to make the decision to choose abstinence. This is known as renewed abstinence. Maybe you were forced or pressured into having sex; or you weren’t aware of the medical, legal and emotional consequences associated with early sexual activity. Now, however, you are better informed to make decisions about sex and you have the choice to reclaim abstinence. Everyone does things they wish they had not done. Growing up and maturing means we learn from our mistakes and, in turn, make better decisions for our future health and happiness. Do what is right for you and your future!
No matter what your past, make the decision now not to have sex!

39. Remember: You and your friends are…
TEACHER SCRIPT:
Having sexual urges is normal at your age, but exhibiting self-control is a definite sign that you are maturing. When it comes to sexual activity, stop when you feel pressured, think about the consequences, and then go ahead and make the mature, healthy decision to choose abstinence. Always remember that you are Worth the Wait!
Worth the Wait!