Sexual Harassment Awareness
CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNING: This page and the links within contain discussion of misogynistic language/violence, homophobia, transphobia, racism, sexual harassment, assault and rape. We want to make sure everyone is safe and aware of current situations and how to deal with them. We hope this page will provide you with enough information on what to do after. Please contact our Safeguarding and Wellbeing team (contact details at the bottom of this page) if you need to discuss any of these matters.
What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment comprises unwelcome and unwanted attention, sexual advances and intimidating behaviour with sexual intent. It is usually directed towards women and often oppressed groups within society, however it can be experienced by all. Sexual harassment can include catcalling, sexist slurs, inappropriate touching, and sharing of inappropriate images or videos without consent.
Public sexual harassment (PSH) is sexual harassment that occurs in public spaces, and can happen both in person and online. PSH is the most common form of violence against women and girls. (Source: Our Streets Now)
What is sexual assault?
Sexual assault is an act that is carried out without the victim's active consent. This means they didn't agree to it. Sexual assault is a form of sexual violence, and can include rape or other sexual offenses, such as groping, forced kissing, and child sexual abuse. (Source: NHS)
Sexual assault can happen to anyone, though it disproportionately affects women, especially queer women and women of colour. In UK universities, 70% of women and over a quarter of men have experienced sexual violence during their studies, but only 1 in 10 reported their experiences to the university or police. (Source: Revolt Sexual Assault) Sexual assault can be carried out by anyone, regardless of age or gender.
Learn more about Consent & Healthy Relationships here
What is victim blaming?
The belief that the victim of a crime or harmful act is fully or partially responsible for it is known as victim blaming. Victims of sexual harassment are often blamed for their experiences because of their clothing choices, body language, or an insistence that they “secretly wanted it”. This attitude is extremely prevalent in our society and makes it harder for people to come forward and report abuse.
It is important to remember that victims are never to blame for harassment and assault; the problem is the way the patriarchy teaches men and boys that they have an entitlement to women’s bodies. Society teaches girls to ‘cover up’ instead of teaching boys why this behaviour is not acceptable, so education about consent is paramount in changing this attitude and eliminating sexual harassment for good.
Speaking Out
Talking about sexual harassment is never easy, especially for those who have experienced it. For some, it can even be dangerous. Watch the videos below to hear about the experiences of young women who have faced public sexual harassment.
(NOTE: There is detailed mention of misogyny, queerphobia, and racist abuse in these videos.)
Male Sexual Harassment
It’s not only women that are affected by sexual harassment and assault - more than 70,000 men aged 16-59 are sexually assaulted in the UK every year. (Source: UK Says No More) Men are also far less likely to tell anybody about their experiences, meaning the majority of cases go unreported and undocumented.
The patriarchy defines masculinity, and therefore men, as independent, tough and powerful, while femininity is viewed as weak and passive. This feeds into the view that ‘real men’ cannot be raped, and it is views like this that lead to myths that make it harder for men to come forward about their experiences for fear that they will not be believed, or seen as weak. SurvivorsUK has compiled a list of myths and misconceptions about male sexual abuse and explained the reality of these situations.
Safeline
Safeline is a charity that provides specialist, tailored support for anyone affected by or at risk of sexual abuse and rape, and empowers them to make choices about the lives they want and helps prevent abuse. They have dedicated, non-judgemental services to help men affected by sexual abuse - watch this video which shares stories from men (portrayed by actors) who have been helped by Safeline, or click the button below to visit their website for more information.
(NOTE: There is mention of rape, incest and child sexual abuse in this video.)
SurvivorsUK - An End to Silence
(NOTE: The link below on the left contains a video with detailed discussion of domestic abuse, sexual assault, rape, and child sexual abuse.)
Where to Get Help
ESCG Safeguarding Team
If you or someone you know at college has experienced or is in danger of sexual harassment/assault, members of our Safeguarding and Wellbeing team are available to help whenever you need them.
HASTINGS: Lydia Leonard
Lydia.Leonard@escg.ac.uk / 07848442081
EASTBOURNE: Helen Ding
Helen.Ding@escg.ac.uk / 07980049312
LEWES: Julia Proven
Julia.Proven@escg.ac.uk / 07823668772
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