Final answer:
In the military, reporting options for sexual assault or harassment include restricted reporting for confidentiality and unrestricted reporting for a formal investigation. Sexual harassment can include a range of prohibited behaviors and can be perpetuated by anyone, including supervisors and clients. Schools and military institutions have specific codes for addressing these issues appropriately.
Step-by-step explanation:
When reporting a sexual assault or a sexual harassment incident to your platoon sergeant, there are typically two reporting options available in military contexts: restricted and unrestricted reporting. Restricted reporting allows a service member to confidentially disclose the assault to specific individuals without triggering an official investigation. This includes healthcare providers, a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), or a Victim Advocate (VA). Unrestricted reporting, on the other hand, is an official report that initiates a formal investigation, and can be made to chain of command, military law enforcement, and others.
Sexual harassment in the workplace or educational settings can manifest in various forms, including unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment does not have to be directly sexual; it can also relate to race, national origin, religion, or age. It's essential to recognize that anyone can be a harasser, whether they are a supervisor, co-worker, or even a non-employee like a client or customer.
Organizations such as schools and military institutions often have established codes and definitions regarding what constitutes sexual harassment and sexual assault. These are in place to protect individuals and to provide a framework for reporting and handling such incidents. It's also important to understand that minimizing the impact of sexual harassment by shifting focus to personal responsibility instead of addressing it as a systemic issue can undermine the severity of the problem.