Sexual harassment - support for girls and leaders
More information on sexual harassment and who you can talk to if you need support
We know sexual harassment is a common occurrence in the lives of girls
Our Girls’ Attitudes Survey has found that:
- 64% of girls and young women aged 13 to 21 have experienced sexual harassment at school or college in the past year
- 75% of girls and young women aged 11 to 21 say anxiety about potentially experiencing sexual harassment affects their lives in some way - including a quarter who say it makes them think twice about speaking up in class.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual harassment - or anything else that has made you uncomfortable - you are not alone and there is support available.
What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment includes lots of things that could make you feel uncomfortable. It could be someone saying sexual things to you, whistling or gesturing at you or asking you to do sexual things – even when they say it’s just a joke.
If someone shows you pornography, sends or asks for explicit photos, touches you when you don’t want them to – that’s harassment too. Sexual harassment can happen anywhere, and can come from both strangers and people you know.
Do you need support?
If you need to talk - or want some guidance on supporting a young member - there are a number of specialist organisations who can help. These include:
- The NSPCC and Childline (0808 800 5000) – confidential advice and support whatever your worry, whenever you need help
- Disrespect Nobody – advice for young people on healthy relationships
- The Hide Out – support for children and young people on domestic abuse
- Rape Crisis – support for young women aged 14+ who have experienced any form of sexual violence.
We're challenging sexual harassment
Our Advocates are calling on governments to tackle sexual harrassment in schools once and for all.
