Sexual Harassment

STEPS TO NE TAKEN WHEN YOU FEEL YOU ARE BEING SEXUAL HARRASED.

Don't blame yourself or ignore the sexual harassment.

Tell or write the person who is harassing you to stop.

It's important to let them know that you don't like what they're doing. They may not realize how hurtful their behavior is and may need a clear message from you about how it makes you feel.

Talk to a friend or someone you trust about what you're feeling.

Discussing it with a friend can make you feel better and give you ideas on how to stop the harassment.

Tell your parents or an adult you trust about what is happening.

Sometimes you'll need to involve your parents or another adult to get the harassment to stop. Don't keep what's happening a secret from the people who can help you.

You should also write down when everything is happening , dates, time, when where and what is being said. That way you have a record of it.

You should inform you're the head of the department about what is happening.

You and/or your parents should tell school officials that you are being sexually harassed. Be persistent. If the first school official doesn't respond, go to the next level of authority until you get a satisfactory response. The school has a legal responsibility to deal with sexual harassment of its students by both teachers and other students.

Ask to see the sexual harassment policy that your school or employer is required to have. It may be called a Title IX policy. Read it and see what it tells you to do. For example, should you tell a teacher, the principal, or a counselor about what you've experienced? Sexual harassment policies may also outline the type of behavior that the school considers to be sexual harassment.

If nothing happens after complaining , you can file a complaint.

You can also file a lawsuit against the school in either state or federal court, but act promptly because there are time limits for filing a lawsuit against the school.