Legal Question in Sexual Harassment in Pennsylvania

Re: i cant tell if i was sexually harassed or not

You asked about unwanted sexual advances made by a freind.

You described that he touched your breast and slid his hand up your shirt while you were asleep. If you were there in an amorous situation and you and he had previously been amorously involved then he may have been legitimate in thinking he was privileged to so touch you. It still would have be pretty creepy, but maybe not illegal.

But on the other hand if you were there just as freinds and he copped a cheap feel, then that is a sexual assault. It is not harrassment, it is a CRIME for which he could spend time in jail. This would also brand him as a sex offender for life.

Now shifting into Dear Abby mode, your letter sounds as though you may be fairly young. If you are under 18 then you should discuss this matter with your parents, immediately. They will and should also discuss this matter with the boy's parents. As a child this behavior is to be expected, as normal curiousity. But it is NEVER to be tolerated. I can't tell you if this boy should be prosecuted for his offense, but the matter MUST be addressed.

There are all sort of permutations that this could have taken and may take in the future. It is imperative on you to act. By letting him know his stupid action was wrong you may prevent him from assaulting another person or worse.

My suggestions for action are that you discuss this matter with your parents and have them discuss it with his parents. In the alternative, you should discuss this either in person or in a letter. Make certain he understands that not only did he lose a freind but he also disrespected you and the whole female gender you by treating you like an object. I hope that your freindship is over as you obviously cannot trust this person.

There are times when you may not be able to do anything in such a situation, and I pray that you never have such an experience. But this situation seems wrong. From your very question you acknowledge that he had no right to do what he did. Be certain that there is nothing wrong with your reaction. You would have been justified in kicking his butt right then and there.

Please make certain that you follow up with this matter. Do not let this, or worse, happen to another girl/woman.

I am curious to hear about how you follow up on this.

Regards,

Roger Traversa

Email: [email protected]

Re: i cant tell if i was sexually harassed or not

You weren't sexually harassed, in the way that term is used. What you were, from what you described, is a vidtim of "indecent assault," a crime in Pennsylvania for which he could spend time in jail. However, if you were involved in some way, and he felt that he had your permission (like, it was okay at some previous time) then perhaps it isn't a crime at all.

If you are under 18, you should talk to your parents about it....particularly if the guy is over 18.

If you want to talk about something more specific, or have any follow up questions, please feel free to email me.