Sexual Harassment

If you have experienced:

Unwanted sexual comments, looks, or gestures;
Requests for sexual favors;
Offensive or graphic pictures and jokes;
Unwelcome advances, touches; or,
Intimidation or threats to job status or school grades-

You have been the victim of sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment is against the law in the State of Indiana.
Sexual harassment can and does happen anywhere, at anytime, to anyone.

How to Confront and Stop Sexual Harassment and Harassers

Do the unexpected: name the behavior. Whatever s/he has just done, say it, and be very specific of your displeasure, directly to the harasser.
Hold the harasser accountable for his/her actions. Don’t make excuses for him/her and don’t pretend it didn’t really happen. Take charge of the encounter and let people know what s/he did. Silence protects harassers, visibility undermines them.
Make honest, direct statements. Speak the truth (no threats, no insults, no obscenities, no appeasing verbal fluff or padding). Be serious, straightforward, and blunt with the harasser.
Demand that the harassment stop immediately.
Make it very clear that all people have the right to be free from sexual harassment. Your objecting to sexual harassment is a matter of your rights and principles.
The harasser’s behavior is his/her issue and responsibility. Say what you have to say, and repeat it very clearly if needed.
Respond at the appropriate level. Use a combination verbal and physical response toward your harasser.
Reinforce your statements with strong, self-respecting body language: eye contact, head up, shoulders squared, and a strong and serious stance. Don’t smile. Any timid, submissive body language will undermine your message.
Stick to YOUR agenda. Don’t respond to the harasser’s excuses or diversionary tactics. S/he is totally responsible for their behavior, NOT YOU!

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