Definitions & Terms: Understanding Sexual Harassment

Sexual assault includes forcible and non-forcible sex offenses. Forcible sex offenses include any sexual act directed against another person, without the consent of the Complainant, including instances in which the Complainant is incapable of giving consent.

For information on sexual assault prohibited by Lafayette College policy, click here.

Click on the links below for third party information on sexual assault:

• Statistics about sexual violence by National Sexual Violence Resource Center
• Scope of the Problem: Statistics by Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN.org)

Dating Violence and Domestic Violence both involve violence on the basis of sex. Dating Violence involves a person who is in or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the Complainant. Domestic Violence typically involves violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the Complainant, though other parameters may exist.

For information on Dating Violence and Domestic Violence prohibited by Lafayette College policy, click here.

Healthy Relationships

Relationships are a necessary part of healthy living, but there is no such thing as a perfect relationship.  Relationships, from acquaintances to romances, have the potential to enrich our lives and add to our enjoyment of life. Healthy relationships are ones that bring out the best in you. Even though no relationship is perfect, healthy relationships make you feel good almost all of the time and generally bring you up and not down.

A healthy relationship is when two people develop a connection based on:

• Mutual respect
• Trust
• Honesty
• Support
• Fairness/equality
• Separate identities
• Good communication
• A sense of playfulness/fondness

Disagreements and arguments are a normal part of all relationships-including healthy ones. What matters is that you and your partner navigate these disagreements respectfully.

Click here for tips on resolving conflict with your partner in a healthy way.

Recognizing Unhealthy Relationships

Even relationships that start off as healthy can become destructive. The same relationship you may have considered healthy at one point can cause discomfort, and sometimes even cause harm.  Take a few minutes to learn more about how to protect yourself from developing unhealthy relationships.

Signs of an unhealthy relationship:

• Intense jealousy
• Isolating you from friends and family
• Belittling you
• Deflecting Responsibility for their behavior
• The refusal to compromise

If you are concerned your relationship is unhealthy, start planning for your safety using the resources below. If you wish to report the behavior to Lafayette College, contact the Director of Educational Equity and Title IX Coordinator.

Click on the links below for third party information on Dating and Domestic Violence

• Creating a Safety Plan by Loveisrespect.org
• Safety Planning template by Loveisrespect.org
• Real Time Resources by One Love Foundation

Supporting a Friend in an Unhealthy Relationship

A person may be in an unhealthy relationship if they:

• Talk often about their partner’s jealousy or possessiveness
• Express an extreme fear of displeasing their partner
• Receive excessive phone calls or texts

You can support a friend by:

• Letting them know they deserve better
• Do not be judgmental and remain patient with them
• Encouraging them to expect more from a relationship
• Supporting their decision to leave the relationship

Click on the links below for third party information on Supporting a Friend:

• How To Help A Friend by Turning Point of Lehigh Valley
• Help for a Friend or Family Member by National Domestic Violence Hotline
• How to Help a Coworker Who Is Experiencing Abuse by National Domestic Violence Hotline

Stalking is defined as engaging in a course of conduct, on the basis of sex, directed at a specific person, that would cause a reasonable person to fear for the person’s safety, or the safety of others; or suffer substantial emotional distress.

For the definition of Stalking prohibited by Lafayette College policy, click here.

Many signs of stalking are seen as normal dating behavior. Learn more about signs of stalking below:

• Receiving numerous hang up calls and messages from unknown contacts
• They are always driving or walking around your home, work or school.
• They have obtained a lot of information about you before you provide it
• They use excessive gift giving to mask their obsessive behavior

Facts about Stalking:

• Stalking can occur inside or outside of a relationship.
• Most victims are stalked by someone they know.
• Persons 18-24 experience the highest rates of stalking victimization.

If you suspect someone is stalking you, consider the following actions:

• Talk to a confidential resource (such as a Counselor in the Lafayette Counseling Center) who can help you explore your options and decide how to deal with the situation.
• Report the behavior to the police.
• Report the behavior to the Director of Educational Equity and Title IX Coordinator or another campus official.
• Write down the times, places, and detailed summaries of each incident and interaction. Keep all emails, texts, posts, tweets, etc.

Click on the links below for third party information on Stalking:

• Stalking Fact Sheet by Stalking Prevention Awareness & Resource Center (SPARC)
• Stalking FAQ by SPARC

 

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome conduct, determined by a reasonable person, to be so severe, and pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the College’s education program or activity.

Quid pro quo harassment is when an employee of the college conditions the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the college, on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct.

For more information on sexual harassment prohibited by Lafayette College policy, click here.

Click on the links below for third party information on Sexual Harassment:

• StopStreetHarassment.org
• How to Respond if Someone Is Pressuring You (RAINN.org)
• FAQ about sexual harassment in the workplace (NWLC.org)

A bystander is a person who is present when an event takes place but isn’t directly involved. Bystanders might be present when sexual assault or abuse occurs—or they could witness the circumstances that lead up to these crimes.

Some simple steps to becoming an active bystander:

1. Notice the incident.
2. Interpret the incident as a problem.
3. Feel responsible to act. Educate yourself on what to do.
4. Intervene safely. Keeping yourself safe while taking action is key.

How to engage safely:

• Bring in others to help when the situation may be potentially dangerous alone.
• Ask a person you are concerned about if he or she is okay. Provide options and support.
• Distract or redirect individuals in unsafe situations.
• Ask the person if he or she wants to leave.
• Call the Public Safety Emergency extension (610) 330-444 or Easton Police (911) when bystander intervention is not safe.

 

Click on the links below for third party information on Bystander Engagement:

• Your Role in Preventing Sexual Assault (RAINN.org)
• Bystander Tips & Scenarios (NoMore.org)
• Active Bystanders: Interactive Scenarios (MIT.edu)