Sexual Harassment & Assault

Definitions: Students should be familiarized with the definitions of sexual harassment and sexual assault. Sexual harassment refers to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual assault refers to any non-consensual sexual activity.

 

Consent: Educating students about consent is crucial. They should understand that consent is an enthusiastic, voluntary, and ongoing agreement to engage in sexual activity. Consent must be clear and given by all parties involved. Emphasize that consent cannot be obtained if there is coercion, force, intimidation, or when a person is incapacitated due to drugs or alcohol.

 

Boundaries and Respect: Teach students about the importance of setting personal boundaries and respecting the boundaries of others. Emphasize that everyone has the right to say "no" to any unwanted or uncomfortable sexual advances, and that it is important to listen and respect those boundaries.

 

Reporting and Support: Inform students about the importance of reporting incidents of sexual harassment or assault. Provide them with information on whom to contact within the school (such as counselors, teachers, or administrators) and outside resources such as helplines or local support organizations.

 

Bystander Intervention: Encourage students to be active bystanders and intervene when they witness situations that may lead to sexual harassment or assault. Teach them about strategies they can use to safely intervene, such as distracting or redirecting the situation, seeking help from authority figures, or supporting the person who may be at risk.

 

Online Safety: Discuss the risks and potential for sexual harassment or assault in online spaces. Teach students about the importance of privacy settings, secure passwords, and responsible online behavior. Encourage them to report any instances of online harassment or grooming to appropriate authorities.

 

Healthy Relationships: Promote education on healthy relationships, consent, communication, and respect. Discuss the characteristics of healthy relationships, the warning signs of abusive relationships, and resources available for support.