Spectrum of Harmful Behavior
Spectrum of Harmful Behavior
Sexual assault or sexual harassment can have damaging and pervasive effects on the experiencer.* Unacceptable behavior can escalate to sexual harassment or even sexual assault. Incidents may have life-long consequences, regardless of where they appear on the spectrum of harmful behavior.
“Sexual assault is at its core a devastating abuse of power,” VA Secretary Denis McDonough has said. “Little can destroy institutional trust faster and more painfully than sexual harassment or assault, and I won’t tolerate it.”
Gauging Harmful Behavior
Do
- ICARE Values
- Dignity and Respect
- Civility
- High Ethical Standards
- Safe Environment
- Stop the Line
- Active Bystander
- Accountability
Don’t
- Offensive Jokes or Insults
- Rude or Disrespectful
- Flirting
- Rumors and Gossip
Don’t
- Cat Calls
- Intentionally Misgender
- Unwelcome Sexual Advances
- Sexual Favors
- Crude Gestures / Jokes
- Bullying
- Sexist Remarks
- Stalking
Don’t
- Unwelcome Sexual Touching
- Groping
- Rape
- Sexual Exploitation
* The individual who has been assaulted or harassed is referred to as the “experiencer.”
