Today, as part of a series on consent, we’re answering questions from teens about sexual harassment and assault.
This is Jessica Skultety, Community Outreach Associate at Safe+Sound Somerset. We are Somerset County, New Jersey's lead domestic violence response organization, providing services at no charge for survivors of dating and domestic abuse for over 40 years.
Today's question from local teens is: “What is the difference between sexual harassment and sexual assault?”
Since April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we wanted to answer this commonly asked question on today’s episode.
Sexual harassment and sexual assault can be parts of an abusive relationship when you are dating someone, however you define it, and no matter if it’s casual or serious. Harassment and assault can also happen with strangers or friends, and while they’re both a little bit different, harassment and assault can both have long lasting, harmful effects on a target. It’s also important to remember that these actions are not the target’s fault, ever. A target can be anyone, regardless of gender identity, or sexual orientation, or age.
Both sexual harassment and sexual assault are done without consent or permission. Harassment and assault are not about sex; they are about gaining or showing and keeping power and control over someone else.
First, let’s talk about sexual harassment. This is a type of bullying with a sexual focus. It can happen in a relationship, at school, at work, and in public – pretty much anywhere. Many of these actions are illegal in the United States. Some examples of sexual harassment are:
· Unwanted sexual comments or gestures
· Showing someone unwanted sexually explicit photos or videos
· Threats of sexual violence
· Spreading photos, rumors, jokes, or sending sexual messages
· Touching, grabbing, and pinching
· Asking someone out over and over again after they’ve said “no”
· Pulling someone’s clothes in a purposefully sexual way
· And non-sexual jokes or comments about gender or sexuality
And some actions that are sexual harassment can also be considered sexual assault. Sexual assault is “sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit [or clear] consent of the victim.” This definition is given by RAINN, which stands for Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network, the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the United States.
Some examples of sexual assault are:
· Unwanted sexual touching
· Forcing someone to perform sexual acts. Force can be physical, but it can also be threatening or blackmailing someone to do something they don’t want to do
· Another example of sexual assault is rape, which can and does happen in relationships, too
If you know someone who has been sexually harassed or assaulted, you can support them by listening to them, asking how they want help, reporting to authorities if they’re in danger, and more. Check out our last Ask Ava episode for more tips on helping a friend.
If you are in Somerset County, you can call the Sexual Assault Support Services hotline at Zufall Health for crisis counseling, support, information, and referrals. Their hotline is 908-526-7444.
You can also call the National Sexual Assault Hotline by calling 1-800-656-HOPE or visit hotline.rainn.org/online to chat online with someone. This hotline is for support, information, advice, and referral to other services.
To speak with an expert about dating violence, call or text the Safe+Sound Somerset 24/7 confidential hotline at 866-685-1122 for supportive listening, information, and safety planning.
Want to “Ask Ava” a question? Visit our website at www.safe-sound.org/ask-ava. Thank you for listening today. Join us next time here on Ask Ava.