Sexual Harassment

Unsure what counts as "going too far"? You're not alone.

Make sure you're clear about Sexual Harassment.

In 2021 and 2022 we asked local young people about their views and experience of sexual harassment, this is what we found:

What the boys said:

38% of boys said they wouldn't report what they witnessed because they wouldn't know if it was sexual harassment

50% of boys said school had taught them how to support a friend who'd been sexually harassed

19% of boys said they had been sexually harassed in schools

69% of boys said they might not intervene if they witnessed their friends sexually harassing someone

A lot of perpetrators don't know what they do or what they witness is actually sexual harassment.

Boys aren't taught about what it means to be a man. Masculinity doesn't mean aggression and dominance but kindness, strength and compassion.

No child should have to deal with sexual harassment in school – school is a place you are supposed to feel safe.

It takes strong men to stand up and call out inappropriate comments.

What the girls said:

40% of girls had been physically followed in a way that made them feel unsafe and uncomfortable

50% of girls have experienced sexual harassment within school

50% of girls said they felt pressured into sending intimate pictures of themselves online

Sexual harassment stops me doing what I love and want to do.

The feeling of constant nervousness when I am alone is horrible… I don't want younger girls to have to feel this as they grow up.

No child or young person should have to deal with sexual harassment outside school but especially (not) in school where we are supposed to feel safe.

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment can happen to women, men, and people of any gender identity or sexual orientation. It can be carried out by anyone of the same sex, a different sex or anyone of any gender identity. Sexual harassment can be carried out by strangers, people you know or people you are in a relationship with.

Sexual harassment can be a one-off incident or an ongoing pattern of behaviour. It describes words or behaviours which are intended to make someone feel upset, scared, humiliated or offended.

What does sexual harassment look like in real life:

Someone making sexually degrading comments or gestures about someone's body, clothing or appearance
Your body being stared or leered at
Telling sexually offensive jokes about someone's sexual activity, sexual orientation or gender
Unwelcome sexual advances and touching
Someone showing or sending you pornographic pictures or videos
Asking questions about someone's sex life
Offers of rewards in return for sexual favours
Sharing nudes or showing nudes to your friends
Sexual assault or rape

Social Media

We know that the internet and social media can normalise sexual harassment and abuse towards girls and young women. So how can young men and boys be affected by social media? And what can be done to keep safe?

You may find that you keep seeing videos on social media that connect masculinity with ideas of dominance, physical strength and sexual conquests. These videos and influencers can make you feel like you are a part of a community and that behaviours connected with sexual harassment are important ways of proving you are a man.

These ideas can be harmful to the girls and women around you but they can also be harmful to you. Being told that the only way to be a man is through strength and aggression can lead to you feeling pressured to behave in a way that you might not want to, this messaging can also negatively impact your mental health and self-worth.

What can you do:

Having male role models can be empowering, but think about the kinds of messages these role models give you, do they make you feel better or worse about yourself? Do they help you connect with people or not?

Have a listen to this podcast on masculinity and what it means to be a man.

What can you do to tackle Sexual Harassment?

Don't feel pressured to laugh along to sexist conversations or 'banter'
Have A Word, Call out bad language and sexist behaviour among your friends. Take the challenge with the Mayor of London's 'say Maaate to a mate' interactive video
If you are worried about somebody being sexually harassed and not sure what to do – don't remain silent, speak to your head of year/student services for advice
Take part in a White Ribbon Walk to show solidarity with women and girls:
Events to tackle VAWG in Wandsworth – Wandsworth Borough Council
Events and training to tackle VAWG in Richmond – London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
White Ribbon Day and 16 Days of Activism in Merton
Ask your school/college/university to #StepUp and become a White Ribbon supporter organisation.

Getting Help

If you've been sexually harassed or assaulted it's important to remember that it was not your fault. Sexual violence is a crime, no matter who commits it or where it happens.

Don't be afraid to get help.

NSPCC – Child Protection Helpline

Helpline for anyone concerned a child is at risk.

The helpline is free, anonymous and 24/7.

Call: 0808 800 5000

Email: help@nspcc.org.uk

Visit: www.nspcc.org.uk

Childline (for children and young people up to 18 years old)

You can contact Childline about anything. Whatever your worry, it’s better out than in. They will support you and help you find ways to cope. Childline is open 24 hours a day over Christmas and New Year, so you can contact them any time.

Call: 0800 1111

Visit: www.childline.org.uk

Report an incident to the Police on 101 (non-emergency). If it's an emergency, please call 999.