Any deliberate or repeated language, behavior, or visual display that causes a person fear, anxiety, shame, or embarrassment.
Signs that it could be sexual harassment
- Sexual comments or inappropriate references to gender
- Sexually explicit statements, questions, jokes, or anecdotes regardless of the means of communication (oral, written, electronic, etc.)
- Unwanted touching, patting, hugging, brushing against a person’s body or staring
- Inquiries or commentaries about sexual activity, experience, or orientation
- Display of inappropriate or sexually oriented material in locations where others can view them
Sexual Harassment vs. Flirting
| Sexual harassment makes the receiver feel: |
Flirting makes the receiver feel: |
| Bad |
Good |
| Angry/sad |
Happy |
| Demeaned |
Flattered |
| Ugly |
Pretty/Attractive |
| Powerless |
In control |
| Sexual harassment results in: |
Flirting results in: |
| Negative self-esteem |
Positive self-esteem |
| Sexual harassment is perceived as: |
Flirting is perceived as: |
| One-sided |
Reciprocal |
| Demeaning |
Flattering |
| Degrading |
Open |
| Invading |
A Compliment |
| Sexual harassment is: |
Flirting is: |
| Unwanted |
Wanted |
| Power-motivated |
Equally-motivated |
| Illegal |
Legal |
What to do if you are harassed
- Tell the harasser that the behavior is offensive and that you want it to stop
- Document the problem behavior: date, time, place, witnesses, specific behaviors (this could include saving text messages or emails)
- Report the harassment to your RA, Assistant Hall Director (ADH), Hall Director (HD), work supervisor, etc.
- Contact the Student Life Office | (740) 364-9578
- Seek counseling from Counseling Services
- For the university’s stance on sexual harassment see: OSU Code of Student Conduct Sexual Harassment by Students
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