This lesson focusses on different forms of sexual harassment and sexual abuse. You will learn to identify different situations in which sexual harassment and abuse may occur and you will acquire skills how to cope with these situations. You will also learn about being consensual: the importance of both partners to agree to sex, based on respecting each other’s wishes and limits.

You will look at why it may be hard for someone to say NO to sex and give advice to a peer on how saying NO to sex can become easier. In the end you will practice saying NO through the use of explicit body language as our bodies are important tools in effective non-verbal communication with others.

In this lesson it is emphasized that whatever beliefs a person has, no one has the right to force you into sex or to sexually abuse you. If it does happen, it is never your fault, whatever you have said or done. You have the right to speak out to get emotional support and to get medical treatment to prevent pregnancy and infections with STIs and HIV!

NOTE: Today’s topic is a difficult and sensitive one to talk about. Sexual harassment and sexual abuse occur in many ways and forms and are often complex. It is a sensitive topic since girls and boys in your class or you yourself may have had bad experiences. They may be fearful of stigmatization when disclosing sexual abuse.

We will be tackling on subjects that you may find very hard to discuss and that is ok. That is why it is particularly important that we take care of ourselves and each other during this lFabuseesson. And remember, you can always talk to your teacher, a trusted adult or a parent if you need more support.