KEEP SAFE IT'S YOUR RIGHT!

Sexual harassment and how to have healthy relationships is a recent issue addressed by Streetwize.

KEEP SAFE IT'S YOUR RIGHT!

What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is any form of sexual attention that you do not ask for and you do not want.
It may happen just once or it may happen again and again. It can include:

Sexual harassment can be verbal or non-verbal abuse. It can happen in a variety of ways:

What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is any physical sexual behaviour done to you by someone else that is against your will. Rape and other types of unwanted touching are sexual assault.

How does Sexual Harassment Affect Young People?

Sexual harassment can seriously affect young people in many different ways.

• Emotionally - Feeling uncomfortable, embarrassed, upset, afraid or angry.
• Physically - When someone is touched where they don't want to be touched.
• Relationships - It can affect feelings for other people.
• Self Esteem and Confidence - It can have a negative impact on self esteem leading to feelings of isolation, guilt and even self-harm, like suicide.

How can this Website help you?

The website will help you find information through a number of resources such as comics and postcards. These can help you:

• Understand situations that are forms of sexual harassment.
• Decide if you or your friends are being sexually harassed.
• Know if you can get help and who from.
• Provide support for friends who have been sexually harassed.
• Make wise decisions in difficult situations.
• Say NO to sexual harassment.

TIPS TO HELP YOU KEEP SAFE

• Plan ahead-if you know you are going out alone, tell someone where you are going and what time you will arrive/leave.
• Watch out for your friends-especially at night time.
• Have signals with your friends to let them know if you need their help.
• Watch your drink at all times when in the pub and other places to avoid spiking.
• Follow advice about safety.

What To Do If You Are Sexually Harassed Or Assaulted -

Talk to someone you trust about what happened, like a friend, your parents, a youth worker, a counselor or teacher. It is your decision who you tell and what you tell them.
There are many services that can support you if you have been sexually harassed or assaulted. Remember, the choice is YOURS.

Where And How To Get Help -

Many services are confidential and can put you in touch with other people who have experienced sexual harassment or assault.

1. Kids Help Line - Free call 1800 55 1800

2. Lifeline - 13 11 14

3. Rosie’s Place - (02) 9625 2599

4. Sydney Rape Crisis Centre – open 24 hours
(02) 9819 6565
Free call 1800 424 017
TTY (02) 9181 4349

5. The Victims of Crime Bureau - a 24 hour telephone counseling and referral service in conjunction with the Sydney city Mission (02) 9353 2525, free call 1800 633 063

6. The Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commissions - (02) 9284 9600, TTY free call 1800 620 241, Privacy Hotline 1300 363 992, www.hreoc.gov.com.au

7. Child protection and family crisis service - (NSW Dept. of Community Services) – 24 hour counseling and referral service, free call 1800 066 777

8. Domestic Violence Advocacy Service - (02) 9637 3741 (Sydney and outer areas), free call 1800 810 784 (Country NSW), free call 1800 626 267 (TTY)

9. Anti-Discrimination Board - Free call 1800 670 812 or (02) 9268 5544

10. Relationships Australia - 1300 36 4277

Your Local Sexual Assault Service or hospital (listed in the phone book under ’Hospitals- public’.)

11. Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre - Free call 1800 686 587

12. Indigenous Women’s Legal Contact Line - Free call 1800 639 784

Your local Community Health Centre (listed in the phone book under ‘Community Health Centres’) or your local Women’s Health Centre (Listed in the phone book under ‘Women’s Health Centre’).

Your local Aboriginal Medical Service (listed in the phone book under ‘Aboriginal Medical Services)

Your doctor

Your local police

Your youth worker at your local youth centre