2023 HEFORSHE ESSEC FEELING SAFE SGBV Guide Psychological support is also available. A quick reminder: harassment means going beyond the person's consent. There are 3 major categories: 1/ Non-verbal harassment (being followed, inappropriate looks, being honked at) 2/ Verbal harassment (insults, insistent compliments) 3/ Physical harassment (exhibitionism, masturbation in public) which can lead to sexual aggression on certain parts of the body (chest, inner thighs, mouth, buttocks, sex) These behaviors are punished by the law! At each party, and this for more than 2 years now, the association HeforShe designates two to four members who do perms as Party Angels, recognizable by specific vests. The role of the Party Angels is to make sure that no one is subjected to behaviors that make them feel uncomfortable: insistent people, non-consensual touching, harassment... We offer victims a listening ear and see how we can help them. So we insist that if they want support, they should come to us so we can help them. 1/ Educate yourself on the subject The first step in fighting SGBV is to become informed. Sexual harassment can take extremely varied and common forms. Therefore, it is sometimes difficult to realize that there is a harassment scene right in front of us. If you are a victim of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the context of your studies, several remedies are available. Psychological support is also available. 2/ Create a culture of respect Culture is a key element in the prevention of SGBV. It is important to promote a culture of respect and equality, encouraging communication and collaboration between genders. This can be accomplished by encouraging active participation in clubs, organizations and community groups. To get the word out, you can approach someone close and trusted. If speaking out is not possible, writing down your experiences or feelings is also a way to begin communicating about your situation of violence. There are online chats such as the one of the association En Avant Toutes, where you can express yourself and ask questions anonymously. 3/ Listen and support victims If you know someone who has been a victim of SGBV, it is important to listen and support them without judgment. Victims often need support to recover from the trauma they have experienced, and may feel isolated and ashamed. By offering a listening ear and advice, you can help reduce their stress. However, it is important not to coerce the person to tell their story. Each victim's process for expressing themselves is different. SGBV has a significant impact on : 1/ Mental and psychological health: guilt, fear, anger, shame, loss of self-confidence, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic syndrome, ISOLATION... 2/ Social and financial situation: taking a cab home, moving to a "safer" and therefore more expensive neighborhood... can lead to dropping out of school or quitting if the harassment takes place at work or school... 3/ Community and quality of life: avoidance strategies, having to justify oneself when one does not want to be hit on... Consequences: distrust and aggressiveness towards men in public spaces, including those without bad intentions. IF YOU NEED to, go see any member of HeForShe or an authorized referent (in the evening or after). If you wish to take action with the administration or others, towards your aggressor, HeForShe members or an authorized referent will ASSIST YOU in your steps. Distract: act indirectly! Delegate: locate a BDE, Party Angel Document: videotape the incident or take photos, if the victim decides to engage existing mechanisms and wants to provide evidence. Direct: direct the situation, after first assessing your own safety, as this is the most engaging "D". Dialogue: once the incident is over (and even if the harasser is still present), reassure the person being harassed and act as a friend. It is important to take a firm stand against sexist behavior, whether it is subtle or blatant. If you notice sexist behavior, don't hesitate to speak up and voice your disapproval. This can help create a culture in which sexist behavior is less tolerated. The 5 Ds: 4/ Don't tolerate sexist behavior Reasons for inaction - Fear of escalating violence. - Collective inertia "witness effect": dilution of responsibility, the larger the group, the less action is taken. To break it, you have to be the first to act. If you witness or experience an incident of SGBV, report it immediately to the proper authorities. This can help ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions and that victims receive the support they need. How to react as a victim? - Follow your instinct = listen to yourself: "when there is a doubt, there is no doubt". If you feel bad, you are a victim and you are legitimate to react. - Reaffirm your space: tell the person who is harassing you that it is not okay and why involve the witnesses by asking them for help. - Practice resilience: harassment is never your fault, and there is no such thing as a perfect response. Finding time to recover from such an experience is an important step that is too often overlooked. 5/ Report SGBV incidents In conclusion, fighting SGBV is a complex process that requires collective involvement. By educating people about the issue, creating a culture of respect and supporting victims, we can work together to reduce the incidence of this violence. It is the duty of all of us to fight against these scourges and to look out for each other. Let's make ESSEC a place where everyone is respected, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, religion, or background. CONCLUSION IF NOT ME, WHO ? IF NOT NOW, WHEN HeForShe