Is it sexual harassment if someone you know and trust who is the same gender and older eg. A close friend who is 16.Has tried to kiss you even though you aren't sexually atracted to them and they had watched you get changed after going swimming and you told them to stop it but they didn't listen and it made you feel extremely uncomfortable and then said you didn't tell so i shouldn't have to stop watching. especially with problems with body image and depression I have told my mum and she said to talk to someone who can do something I am not only concerned about my own welbieng but others she's has befriend a few year sevens at our school I am scared of going into my school.is this classed as grooming and or sexual harassment?
Sam
Hi there,
Anyone who kisses you when you have already said no is in the wrong. It’s not okay and it could be sexual abuse or sexual harassment. No matter what gender or sexuality someone identifies as, they can still sexually abuse or harass someone else.
Telling someone at school can be scary but it’s important that someone knows about her behaviour. It could help to think about what’s making it difficult to talk to someone at school and see what you can do to make it easier for you.
One idea might be to find a friend who you can trust and see if they will come with you when you tell someone. Another idea is to write it down and email the school about it – though even if you do this it’s likely they’ll want to speak to you in person as well.
If you think that she is potentially going to hurt the people she is befriending in year 7, it is definitely important to tell someone. It’s possible she doesn’t intend on harming them in any way, but it is unusual for someone who is 16 to want to be friends with people much younger than they are.
If you ever felt like this person was doing something that makes you uncomfortable then it’s okay to leave and tell someone. You could talk to a counsellor who could listen or support you, or even call the police if you think they may hurt or abuse you.
Thanks for the letter, take care. Sam
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