DISCUSSION ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT PREVENTION IN SCHOOL

The discussion on "Preventing School Sexual Harassment", was broadcasted live on August 18, 2020 on channel VTC1, it introduced the remarkable research results on the situation of sexual harassment (SH) in schools in Vietnam. Dr. Khuat Thu Hong, Director of the Institute for Social Development Studies and Ms. Hoang Phuong Thao, Chief Representative of ActionAid International in Vietnam, participated in the seminar.

Research results show an alarming situation:

- More than 60% of teenagers interviewed have been sexually harassed at least once

- 25% of teenagers who have been sexually harassed keep silent

- Average age at which the victims of sexual harassment is 12 years old (minimum 4 years old, maximum 21 years old). Sexual harassment in schools is most prevalent among 11-15 years old.

- Almost 50% of the victims suffer mental health trauma.

Most importantly, awareness of what is SH among students, teachers and parents, is still very limited. Although Vietnam has initially had a Labor Law regarding SH behavior in the workplace, there is absolutely no appropriate legal framework in place to detect, prevent and punishment toward SH behavior for student.

There are much more to do and we do need all of your support and action.

Please watch the video at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/vtcnow/videos/994490337655894