What steps can a student take if sexually harassed in school or college?

Sexual harassment can be perpetrated against men and women. There are instances when guilt is assigned to a victim who has not done enough to prevent the harassment. Even though this is wrong the victim must take proactive steps to stop a harasser and prevent any further sexual harassment and abuse on campus. In addition, sexual harassment lawyers highlight the fact that students have protection under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

Victim knows aggressor

For the most part, the harasser can be an individual known to the victim or a complete stranger. Often a person is subjected to unwelcome sexual conduct by his/her partner. Harassment and even rape by a person known to the victim is also quite common unlike what happened in Germany when strange Arab men raped and sexually assaulted German woman. Furthermore, if you are in a relationship you ought to set some boundaries if you do not wish sexual intimacy at that point yet.

Here are some ways that sexual harassment lawyers believe you can communicate your displeasure:

• If you are in a relationship you must behave like a proactive partner and be part of the decision making process. Have your say while deciding where you should go, when you do not want intimacy and things like how you would like to spend your vacation.
• While interacting, try and understand what the other person is actually conveying. Ask for clarification if you do not understand what the other person wants. She or he may believe you should not ask those questions but actually saying it can defuse the annoying guessing game.
• You must also know your limitations and sexual intentions and be absolutely clear about your intentions. Remember, you have the right to say ‘no’. The common notion is that sometimes a ‘no’ means ‘yes’ so make it clear that when you say ‘no’ you mean ‘no’.
• Often some people act upon the assumption that you want sex if you are dressed in a certain manner or if you have had a few too many drinks. Always make sure to drink only in the presence of trusted individuals and make it obvious that you are dressed the way you are because you like it and not for anyone else’s pleasure.
• If you feel that you are getting attention for all the wrong reasons at a particular place it would be prudent to leave that venue discretely. Do not give in to pressure from friends to participate in something you aren’t comfortable with. If you are invited to a late-night party, visit the place with friends who you can trust and if you feel threatened do not hesitate to ask for help.
• Remember, students are protected under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

Some people believe they are so slick. Some people see the king of sexual harassment in Bill Clinton and envy him since now he is a multi-millionaire. But they do not realize that Clinton's legacy has been tarnished and he was impeached. On top of that, most people do not have the mainstream media defending them. You may have had your fun one night but being charged with a crime and kicked out of school is no fun. Now you have to deal with sexual harassment lawyers and have compelled your former classmates to use incredible legal websites such as this: http://sexual-harassment-lawyers.usattorneys.com/. 

How to intervene when you suspect sexual harassment?

• If you see a person forcing himself on someone at a party, intervene immediately to prevent any further distress. Any kind of physical or verbal harassment must be stopped.
• Jokes that are based on inappropriate sexual conduct must not be encouraged.
• Moreover, if you witness any sexual assault call for police intervention immediately and urge the victim to hire a sexual harassment attorney.
• Do not hesitate to confront suspicious persons lurking near your residence or your dorm room.
• You must try to educate others about what actually is sexual harassment.
• Provide support to someone who has faced sexual harassment and respect the decisions that he/she has taken after the incident.
• If an individual has expressed his desire to take part in a violent sexual act you must help him consult a counselor, tell others and certainly not hang around with this person any more. If he wants to be Colin Sweeney from The Good Wife he should leave you alone and perhaps go see a priest and attend church more or at all.

For the most part, a victim must first try to get to a location where he/she will be safe. If you find yourself in such a predicament, call someone you trust and then report the incident to whoever is authorized to handle complaints of harassment in your school or college. You can always count on a sexual harassment lawyer to help you take the appropriate action should you need to settle or file a lawsuit.