Advice for Victims of Sexual Harassment
- Know your rights - Sexual harassment is illegal. Stanford University has a specific policy prohibiting sexual harassment. Familiarize yourself with this policy -
- Confront the harasser - Be assertive. Make it clear to the person that you do not appreciate the attention they are giving you and that their behavior is unacceptable. This is not a time to be polite or vague. There is a chance that the harasser does not realize that a particular behavior is offensive. If approaching that person is not an option the target can write a letter to the harasser or have a third party tell the harasser to stop their inappropriate behavior.
- Get information and support - Sexual harassment advisers can provide support and advice about Stanford's policy and procedures. Confide in a trustworthy adult like your parents, teachers, coaches, community or spiritual leader, principal, supervisor, or colleagues. They can help you address your concerns.
- Know your personal boundaries - Understand what's okay and what's not okay within your comfort level in an educational or professional environement.
- Keep a detailed journal - It's important to keep track of the incidents of harassment. Note what happened, the time it occurred, the date, where it happened, who was present, how it made you feel, and the impact it had on your life.
- Report the incident - Let the complaint manager at the school or place of employment know what is going on. Be specific - prepare a statement with all your documentation of the incident and present it at the interview. Tell the complaint manager what you would like to see happen from there.
Whatever you choose to do, remember...
- Do not blame yourself. Sexual harassment is not something one brings on oneself.
- Do not delay. Delay in action in cases of sexual harassment only increases the probability that the harassing behavior will continue.
- Do not hesitate to seek help. Being quiet about sexual harassment enables it to continue. Chances are very good that you are not the only one who has been harassed. Speaking up may prevent others from being harmed.
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