Speaking clearly to the harasser right away about your objections may be enough. He may stop the offensive behaviour.

Take someone with you when you talk with the harasser. Afterwards, he won’t be able to say he didn't know he was bothering you. You will have a witness.

Think carefully about what you want to say. Be specific. You don’t need to explain why you object to his behaviour. Do not give him the chance to embarrass you by asking for more details than you want to talk about. Simply repeat that you object to his behaviour and want him to stop.

Speak calmly to the harasser. Give him a chance to understand and change his behaviour.
Here are some suggestions:

"Sure I can take a joke. What I won't take is harassment. If you don't know the difference, I'll be happy to recommend some reading material."

"It makes me uncomfortable when you look at me that way. I am not questioning your intentions, but I am asking you not to do it again."

"I have told you before that I don't want to go out with you. I’m uncomfortable when you ask me out on dates. If you don't stop, I’ll have to talk to (someone higher up –the teacher, principal, boss, owner)."

"If you touch me that way again, I'll report you so fast.”

Why am I being harassed?

Harassment can be confusing. You may wonder why the harasser is
acting this way.

He might be angry because you are assertive or question his way of doing things.

Knowing that his behaviour bothers you might make him feel powerful.

But:

• He might not think he is harassing you.
• He may be doing it because he thinks it will make his friends laugh.
• He might be very surprised to learn that you consider what he is doing harassment.
• He might not mean to harm you. He may be treating you the way he has learned to treat women.
• He might feel he has the right to behave this way with you.
• He might not think his actions have an impact on you.

No matter what he thinks he is doing, harassment is wrong. You have the right to live free from sexual harassment.