Sexual Harassment & Assault

What is Sexual Assault FSexual assault can be verbal, visual, or anything that forces a person to join in unwanted sexual contact or attentions. FIt only has to happen once. FSome examples are: FVoyeurism: watching sexual acts FExhibitionism: exposing yourself publicly FSexual Harassment

What is Sexual Harassment? Sexual harassment refers to any UNWANTED and REPEATED attention that is sexual in nature. Legally it is “conduct that has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or learning environment.

4 Types of Sexual Harassment FVerbal FSexual jokes, rumors, name calling, threats, harassing phone calls, pressuring someone into sexual acts FNon-Verbal FDisplaying of sexual pictures/photos, obscene gestures, body language, whistling FWritten FSexual graffiti, notes, , facebook FPhysical FForced sexual conduct-grabbing, pinching, fondling, cornering etc.

What’s The Big Deal? Sexual harassment is not just embarrassing; it can hurt students: – Health – Self esteem – Grades – Desire to go to work/school – Depression – Psychological/physical issues – Examples in the news..

Why People Do It Peer pressure They don’t know its inappropriate They think it’s funny They could have been a victim in the past (psychological issues) Control

Who is at risk? While anyone can be a victim of sexual assault, females between the ages of 15 and 24 are the highest risk of being assaulted by someone they know.

Definitions FConsent: this means to agree or give permission. FThere are 3 times a person cannot consent even if they want to. They are: F1. Under the influence of alcohol or drugs F2. If you are under the age of 16 (age differs from state to state) F3. If you are developmentally delayed or unconscious FSexual Assault FOne can be legally charged with sexual assault in some degree (1-4) if there is non-consensual sexual contact of any sort

Definitions (cont.) FChild Sexual Assault (CSA): Is when a child under the age of 18 is forced, tricked or intimidated by an adult into any kind of sexual activity. FIncest: When the offender is a family member FRape: is any type of forced penetration. It is NOT a crime of passion; it is one of power and control that involves any kinds of force including, but not limited to threats and intimidation.

Definitions (cont.) FAcquaintance/Date Rape: is the most common type of rape. It is a social term that means forced sexual intercourse by someone the victim knows FLegal age of consent in CT is 16 FStatutory Rape: Is legally defined as sexual intercourse with someone below the legal age of consent even if: FConsent was given FThere was no resistance FIt was mutually participated

Date Rape FA person can be a victim of date rape if slipped certain drugs that are used to incapacitate a victim to a level where the perpetrator is able to assault him/her without resistance. FDate rape drugs are usually odorless, colorless, and tasteless. FThey generally last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour FMany date rape drugs are homemade and sometimes administered in lethal dosages. FUsually they are slipped in to a drink.

Date Rape (cont.) These drugs can make you become weak and confused--or may even make you pass out. This leaves unable to defend yourself against any unwanted sexual contact These drugs are used on both men and women They are also called “club drugs” because they tend to be used at dance clubs, concerts, raves, etc. The 3 most popular date rape drugs being used are: – Rohypnol – GHB- gamma hydroxybutyric – Ketamine

Decrease your chances of becoming a victim of date rape drugs by: If you can’t pour your own drink, watch the person pouring it Don’t accept open cans or drinks made previously Don’t leave your drink unattended Use the “buddy system” and stay with your friend if at a party or new location

Statistics 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys will be sexually assaulted before their 16th birthday Sexual offenders are not usually strangers; approximately 86% of victims know their offender 1/2 of victims are assaulted in their home or in the offender’s home In more than 1/4 of all cases, offenders repeat their behaviors

Speak Up 41% of sexual assault victims don’t report the crime 60% of rape victims don’t report the crime. Often survivors don’t speak out because embarrassment or they feel they will be blamed. People SHOULD speak out because: – It will begin the healing process – Declares violent disrespect as unacceptable – Decreases offender’s chance of victimizing another person – Decrease feeling of isolation for all survivors – Raise awareness that sexual violence as all-too- common occurrence

If You’ve Been Assaulted Talk to someone you trust – Remember there is no right or wrong way to react, and you may be feeling anger, confusion, frustration and/or guilt. Talking to someone such as a friend, family member, teacher, or counselor can help. Talking through your feelings can make this difficult time in your life easier to handle. Report the incident right away to the police. If at school go to an authority figure. Get medical attention as soon as possible- -within 24 hours is best.

How to Reduce Your Risk FBe aware the more that you drink or take drugs, the less capable you are to judge possibly dangerous situations. FDo not take rides, leave parties, or go on dates alone with people you do not know. FIf you are with someone you do not know, let someone know where and with whom you are going; have them check on you periodically FBe aware of a person who insists the two of you should be alone and/or someone who pressures you to use drugs or alcohol.