How to Prevent, Avoid and Stop Sexual Harassment

What to do... Whether sexual harassment comes from a person in authority, a colleague, or peer, it is always inappropriate. Any gesture or remark of a sexual nature that makes you feel uncomfortable, threatened, intimidated or pressured may be a sign that you are experiencing sexual harassment. Trust your instincts. If you are harassed, do not blame yourself. Do not remain silent. Act quickly. Do not delay.

Say no and tell the person that his or her behavior toward you is making you uncomfortable.

Tell someone, a friend or colleague. The Office of Women in Medicine is a resource for discussing and helping clarify questions of sexual harassment in a confidential atmosphere. The OWM is interested in learning about experiences at Yale and, along with the rest of the administration, in creating an environment free of sexual harassment.

Contact any member of the current Sexual Harassment Board. Members of the board are selected for their sensitivity and concern and are specially trained in sexual harassment issues.

Keep a record of events, with dates and witnesses. Consider confronting the harasser in a letter.

Document your work and evaluations so that you can attest to the quality of your performance if the accused harasser questions your abilities.

Most people just want offensive behavior, of any kind, to stop. If it is unwanted sexual behavior, it may be illegal not to stop.

Lesbians, gay men, minority group members, and older women are frequently targets.

In general, if you treat every person with respect and dignity, you are less likely to have something you do or say be misunderstood.

Members of the University Community are responsible for their actions on or off campus.

• Trust your instincts.
  
• Do not remain silent.
  
• Tell someone.
  
• Contact any member of the sexual harassment board or call us here or call SHARE.

The above examples of behavior which may constitute sexual harassment are based on suggestions from The Project on the Status and Education of Women, Association of American Colleges.