State Lawmakers Undergo Training About Sexual Abuse And Harassment

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INDIANAPOLIS–Preventing and watching out for sexual harassment is what state lawmakers learned about Tuesday.

“This is the other person’s standard that counts,” said Selena Saucedo with the National Conference of State Legislatures explained to lawmakers. “They get to decide if they feel like it is a harassing environment. So, even if you didn’t intend it, your intentions don’t matter.”

The presenters from the National Conference of State Legislatures discussed topics ranging from unwelcome touching and gossiping about someone’s sexual history.

Stacy Householder, another presenter from the National Conference of State Legislatures, was also there.

“When you’re engaging in something that could be considered somewhat questionable, make sure you’re considering the others who are within the conversation or those who might be around you.”

Even the quid pro quo, or “a favor for a favor” interpretation, of sexual harassment was discussed.

“If you do ‘X,’ I’ll vote for your bill,” Householder explained. She said that is unacceptable. Along with sexual harassment, lawmakers also talked about ethics and attempts to influence legislation.

If a lawmaker missed Tuesday’s training, they must complete the training online.

Lawmakers added a harassment training requirement to statehouse rules back in 2018.