Transcript Sexual Harassment & Assault… it’s illegal and there are laws to protect your rights!

Sexual
Harassment
& Assault…
it’s illegal and there are
laws to protect your rights!
What is sexual assault?
Sexual assault can be verbal,
visual, or anything that forces a
person to join in unwanted
sexual contact or attentions.
It only has to happen once.
Some examples are:
Voyeurism:watching sexual acts
Exhibitionism: exposing yourself
publicly
Sexual 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
Verbal
Sexual jokes, rumors, name calling, threats,
harassing phone calls, pressuring someone
into sexual acts
Non-Verbal
Displaying of sexual pictures/photos, obscene
gestures, body language, whistling
Written
Sexual graffiti, notes, email, facebook
Physical
Forced sexual conduct-grabbing, pinching,
fondling, cornering etc.
Why do 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
What’s the big deal
Sexual harassment isn’t just
embarrassing; it can hurt
students:
Health
Self esteem
Grades
Desire to go to work/school
Depression
Psychological/physical issues
Examples in the news..
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.
“SUBMISSION DOES NOT
EQUAL CONSENT”
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO
…say no to sexual advances
…dress as you please
…be treated with respect at all
times
…agree to have sex and change
your mind at any time
…agree to sexual activity
without agreeing to sex
Understanding Intimate
Violence
Whether you are a survivor or know
someone close to you who has been
raped, all of us have been in contact with
someone who has been sexually abused,
even if they choose not to tell us about
the crime.
This is an alarming fact that we hope to
lessen through preventative education.
Definitions
Consent: this means to agree or give
permission.
There are 3 times a person cannot consent
even if they want to. They are:
1. Under the influence of alcohol or drugs
2. If you are under the age of 16 (age differs
from state to state)
3. If you are developmentally delayed or
unconscious
Sexual Assault
One can be legally charged with sexual assault
in some degree (1-4) if there is nonconsensual sexual contact of any sort
Definitions Continued..
Child 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.
Incest: When the offender is a family
member
Rape: 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 Continued..
Acquaintance/Date Rape: is the most
common type of rape. It is a social term
that means forced sexual intercourse by
someone the victim knows
Legal age of consent in CT is 16
Statutory Rape: Is legally defined as
sexual intercourse with someone below the
legal age of consent even if:
Consent was given
There was no resistance
It was mutually participated
Date Rape
A 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.
Date rape drugs are usually odorless,
colorless, and tasteless.
They generally last anywhere from 15
minutes to an hour
Many date rape drugs are homemade and
sometimes administered in lethal dosages.
Usually they are slipped in to a drink.
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
The 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
If you think your friend seems unusually
intoxicated while drinking alcohol, get them
to the hospital to be tested for date rape
drugs.
Some 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
Without some type of help- counseling,
psychotherapy etc,- a victim of sexual abuse tends
to become a victim for life of emotional abuse,
sexual abuse, physical abuse, etc.
Myth: Only females can be raped
Myth: When someone says “no” they mean
“yes”
Fact: Any “no” whether it’s verbal or
expressed through body language MUST be
respected. If you are unsure just ask!
Myth: Victims who don’t physically resist rape
secretly enjoy it
Fact: During rape, most fear for their lives and
make the best decisions they can in order to
stay alive.
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
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.
Seek Medical Attention
If you wish to have an evidence collection
exam done, do not shower or change the
clothes you are wearing after the assault.
Hospital personnel can give you
information and options for treatment for
possible pregnancy and or STD’s.
Never forget IT WAS NEVER YOUR FAULT
if you’re a victim
No matter how much he/she drank, what
he/she wore, or where he/she went
Reduce my risk?
Be aware the more that you drink or take
drugs, the less capable you are to judge
possibly dangerous situations.
Do not take rides, leave parties, or go on
dates alone with people you do not know.
If you are with someone you do not know,
let someone know where and with whom
you are going; have them check on you
periodically
Be aware of a person who insists the two
of you should be alone and/or someone
who pressures you to use drugs or alcohol.