Sexual Bullying and Healthy Relationships

What is Sexual Bullying?

Any bullying behaviour, whether physical or non-physical, that is based on a person's sexuality, identity or gender and is used as a weapon. It can be carried out to a person's face, behind their back or through the use of technology.

For example:

• Teasing or putting someone down because of:
  • their sex life (e.g. because they haven't had sex or if they've had sex with a number of people)
  • their sexuality (e.g. making fun of someone because they are or are perceived to be LGBTQ+)
  • their body (e.g. the size of their breasts, bottom or genitalia) 
• Using words that refer to someone's sexuality in a derogatory way (like calling something 'gay' to mean that it is not very good)
• Using sexual words to put someone down
• Making threats or jokes about serious and frightening subjects like rape
• Spreading rumours about someone's sexuality and sex life – including graffiti, texts and online
• Touching parts of someone's body that they don't want to be touched
• Putting pressure on someone to act in a sexual way

It is any behaviour which degrades someone, singles someone out by the use of sexual language, gestures or violence, and victimising someone for their appearance. Sexual bullying is also pressure to act promiscuously and to act in a way that makes you uncomfortable.

These behaviours happen inside and outside school or college, in social groups and online. It is as serious as any form of hate crime and should be treated as such by parents, teachers and society in general.

Family Lives - Sexual Bullying gives further information and advice.

Every day women and girls face discrimination, poverty and violence just because they are female. Womankind are working to change that.

Men can also experience abuse in relationships and should be encouraged to speak up and seek support. ManKind and Doncaster Abuse Hub provide advice and guidance.

Preventing Violence, Promoting Equality, Act Now This guide, created by the charity Womankind, aims to explain what sexual bullying means and why sexual bullying happens - because of gender inequality. The guide also hopes to support young people to play an active role in making their school a safer, more equal place.

Healthy relationships and relationship abuse

All children and young people deserve an education that supports them to thrive. Quality relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) is an important part not only of keeping children and young people safe, but of helping them to lead happy, healthy and fulfilled lives. Stonewall provides more information in this area.

Abuse is not normal and never ok. If you are in a relationship with someone, you should feel loved, safe, respected and free to be yourself. There are different forms of abuse, which you can find out about below, but if your relationship leaves you feeling scared, intimidated or controlled, it's possible you're in an abusive relationship. PLEASE SHARE YOUR CONCERNS WITH A TRUSTED ADULT AND SEEK HELP. The abuse is NOT your fault, it is the responsibility of the abuser. They will not change their behaviour unless they see what they are doing is wrong and are motivated and committed to change. 

Individuals affected by domestic/sexual violence and abuse can access a helpline and be signposted to other local services in Doncaster. Young People Advocates are available through Growing Futures to support young people experiencing pressure based on sexual bullying or where this is linked to domestic abuse.

Doncaster Domestic Abuse Provides a range of services for anyone affected by domestic abuse, and also for professionals working with families.

Whether you are experiencing domestic abuse yourself, concerned about a relative or friend, or want help to change your own behaviour, you will find information and details of services that can help.

Phoenix Womens Aid is a local service for domestic abuses advice and guidance for men and women.

Doncaster Abuse Hub accept referrals and can give advice.

ManKind is a national charity helping men to escape domestic abuse.

Should you have concerns about honour based abuse or forced marriage about yourself or somebody else please visit Doncaster Abuse Hub.