Sexual Harassment is Everywhere
Recognize It and React
by Alyssamae Gadsden and Amaris Rodriguez
Sexual harassment is everywhere. It’s secretive, so although it occurs in school, in the workplace, and on the streets, many people are unaware of its occurrence.
Sexual harassment in schools is a very serious matter. In Cindy Long’s, “The Secret of Sexual Assault” in NEA Today, she reports, “From 2011 to 2015, about 17,000 sexual assaults were committed by U.S. students, AP found, although the number is likely much higher because assaults are under-reported or mislabeled as bullying, particularly among young victims. About 5 percent of the victims AP reported on were 5 and 6 year-olds.” Most boys and girls don’t know how to feel when they are being sexually harassed. Many may feel scared and may think, “why is this happening to me?” Sexual Harassment in schools has many different scenarios. It can occur by a boy sexually harassing a girl, a girl sexually harassing a boy, a boy sexually harassing another boy, a girl sexually harassing another girl, a teacher sexually harassing a student, and even a student sexually harassing a teacher.
Many women, men, teens and even children, might not know that they are being sexually harassed. Sexual harassment can be subtle or blatant; however, it is important to be aware of these signs so you know when it’s happening. Sexual harassment can be requests for sexual favors or unwelcome sexual behavior that makes you feel uncomfortable, scared or confused. Sexual harassment can be verbal. Comments about your body, spreading sexual rumors, making sexual jokes or remarks and making sexual accusations are some examples of verbal harassment. Sexual harassment can also be physical. Examples of physical sexual harassment are rubbing, grabbing, pinching, and touching in a sexual manner, and exposing one’s genitals or breasts to another person. Rape and molestation are forms of sexual harassment. The technology in our society makes it easier for people to send and share pictures easily. Sexual harassment has been extended to visual displays of unwanted naked photos, sexual gestures and sex related objects. Sexual harassment may interfere with your schoolwork, your ability to participate in extracurricular activities, or your attendendance in classes.
Some people may not know what to do when they are being harassed. If it is not spoken about from the moment the first incident happens, the person who is committing the crime may continue harassing the individual. If you feel that you are being sexually harassed or know you are being harassed, it is important to tell your parents and/or an authority figure that you trust. If you are being sexually harassed in school, it is important to tell your parents and listen to your parent’s guidance about the situation. Ask your parents if they will help you speak to your teacher or other authority figure if you are uncomfortable doing it alone. Make sure you bring it to the school's attention by filing a complaint so that the situation can be dealt with appropriately and efficiently. If you are being sexually harassed by a fellow employee or manager at work it is important to tell your parents and report it to a higher manager or the police so the situation can be handled and the harassment will stop.
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