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Legal Definitions for Sexual Harassment in Education
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Legal Definitions for Sexual Harassment in Education
Sexual Harassment in Education
Sexual harassment in higher education: In higher education, the issue of sexual harassment has
been met with a resistance-to-change by many seasoned professors. Because of our modern,
politically-correct conscience, academic institutions are increasingly under fire for infringing on the
academic freedoms traditionally guaranteed for professors, and sexual harassment policies and
legislation are considered by many to be in violation of these freedoms, particularly the right to free
speech. Moreover, the power structure tends to encourage the exploitation of students for their
assistance and labor in a professor's academic work. However, this attitude can become distorted in
the minds of many professors, and can encourage them to sexually exploit their students, as well. Most
unfortunately, access to students for sexual purposes is considered by many to be one of those
protected academic freedoms and "perks" that go along with being a professor, and is a "right" that
many simply do not want to give up.
Recovery From Sexual Harassment
Counseling and Therapy
Therapists: If you can find a therapist who understands sexual harassment, and the common dynamics
and effects, then we recommend therapy as an avenue. However, at this time, the health and human
services community is only just beginning to acknowledge that there can be long term effects from
sexual harassment. Most therapists and psychologists are not schooled in this area. Be very careful,
because an ill equipped therapist can add to the damage that is already there. A counselor with
experience in sexual assault or sexual abuse would be a possible substitute. If harassed at work or
school, do not utilize the institution's mental health staff as their primary duties will be to protect the
institution from liability. Seek help outside the environment where the harassment occurred.
Local Resources: Your local women's center, or rape crisis center could be possible avenues for
support and resources. This may depend on the degree and duration of the harassment; however,
these centers offer support groups, counseling, and even financial and housing assistance to those
who qualify. They are also resources for referrals for legal assistance and advocacy. Again, if you opt
for counseling, be sure and request someone who has an understanding of sexual harassment and the
common effects.
Important Note about counseling and therapy
*Protect your health care information: It is common for employees of a company or
institution (and their lawyers) to try to gain access to a sexual harassment victim's medical
records and other health care information. This is so they can gain information that will
hopefully discredit a victim, or even blame them for the harassment. If you seek counseling
or therapy, if at all possible, do not sign any information releases unless commanded by a
judge to do so. If you need to sign one for your insurance company, make sure that the
release stipulates that this is for insurance purposes ONLY. Type up your own release if you
have to. Make sure the therapist consults with you before discussing your case with anyone.
It is against the law for any doctor or therapist to discuss your case without your permission,
still, many sexual harassment victims find their confidentiality violated. Know where your
health care information is going.
*If you were sexually harassed in an academic or health care environment: Check the
credentials of any therapist or counselor you talk to. If they are affiliated with your school or workplace--for example, if they are currently enrolled at your school, obtained their degrees there, teach there, or do case managing at a hospital where you work--you may experience confidentiality violations, and even backlash and retaliation, because of the their loyalties to these institutions or the people who work there, or even because of jealousy over the sexual attention you are experiencing. Women's centers and crisis centers often fill out their staff rosters with interns earning degrees from local colleges and universities, and you will face the same risks if you are assigned one as a counselor who may also be attending your school. (This is all very sad, but also very true.) Be sure that any counselor you talk to will
be supportive of you regardless of where you were harassed, or who did it.
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http://www.sexualharassmentsupport.org
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