Sexual harassment - 2nd years

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• Higher Education (non-degree)

Sexual harassment

Sexual Harassment

OFSTED says "Sexual harassment has become normalised for children and young people" - 10/6/21

That's NOT ok.

This OFSTED statistic relates to 'Peer on peer' harassment. 

What does this term mean? 

What is sexual harassment? 

Sexual harassment

Definitions vary slightly; 

The law defines sexual harassment as “unwanted conduct on the ground of a person’s sex; or unwanted conduct of a sexual nature”

‘Peer on Peer’ in schools and colleges means sexual harassment perpetrated by other students.

Here at Colchester Institute we would define sexual harassment as: any unwanted behavior of a sexual nature that makes you feel distressed, intimidated or humiliated.

It is important to acknowledge that sexual harassment can occur anywhere. 

Discuss some examples of sexual harassment? 

In the work place, in social situations, on a bus, train or any public place, even text message or social media.

• Making sexual jokes, comments, gestures to/about someone
  
• Spreading sexual rumors (in person, by text, or online)
  
• Writing sexual messages about people in toilets/public places
  
• Showing someone inappropriate sexual pictures or videos
  
• Asking someone to send you naked pictures ("nudes")
  
• Posting sexual comments, pictures or videos on social media
  
• Sending explicit text messages
  
• Touching, grabbing, or pinching in a deliberately sexual way
  
• Pulling at clothing or brushing up against them in a deliberately sexual way
  
• Repeatedly asking someone to go out with you over and over again; even after the person has said no 

What would you do if you felt uncomfortable or concerned? 

What would you do?

• There is no single “right way” to respond to sexual harassment as each situation is unique.
  
• Ideally the best way is to tell the person doing the harassing to stop; letting him/her know that their behaviour is not okay with you. This does not have to be direct or confrontational, a simple “cut it out” should indicate that it is unacceptable to you.
• It is the case however that sometimes the harasser may laugh off your request to stop, tease you about it and bother you more.
  
• This is when you need to talk to someone you can trust.
  
• If a situation involves offensive texts, videos, pictures etc. it is important to save these as evidence.
  

What would you do if you saw something which looked like sexual harassment?

If you see something, say something.

• Bystanders can play an important role in stopping sexual harassment.
  
• If it appears safe and natural then speak up; you don’t need to confront the perpetrator, you can just say to the victim “Come on, let’s get out of here” and leave. If you don’t feel able to say something at the time, it is best to report the event to a trusted adult.
  
• This isn’t ‘grassing’-it’s doing the right thing.
  
• You could also talk to the victim and offer support.
  

Enough Campaign 

Website

Want to know more?

• Resource 1
• Resource 2

College safeguarding contact: 01206 7122828