Instructor is removed after reports of harassment in São José After the case of a martial arts instructor reported for sexual harassment against students in São José dos Campos, experts warn of signs that may indicate situations of violence and explain how victims and family members can seek help. According to the Public Defender's Office, eight victims, five of whom were teenagers, reported physical touching, inappropriate approaches and inappropriate comments during sports classes at a gym partnered with City Hall through the Citizen Athlete program. Clinical psychologist Edilene Novaes explains that, especially when it involves children and adolescents, observation by family members and guardians is essential to identify changes in behavior. ? Click here to follow the g1 Vale do Paraíba and region channel on WhatsApp "In cases like this, looking from the outside becomes an important form of monitoring. The family or guardian can better understand if sexual harassment is happening, so they can act as soon as possible," he said. According to the expert, some victims may have difficulty talking about what happened. "First there is freezing, the person freezes, doesn't speak, and then the behavior changes. That's when you need to observe what is happening and then offer support, so that person feels safe to tell you", he explained. Martial arts instructor is removed after allegations of sexual harassment against students in São José dos Campos Reproduction/TV Vanguarda What can be sexual harassment? Lawyer Sandra Ramos explains that sexual harassment can appear in attitudes that initially seem small, but go beyond limits. "It starts with praise, contact, touching, bumping. Then, invading your perimeter. If it's not comfortable, if it wasn't allowed, it's wrong," he said. The practice of sexual harassment is a crime and can lead to imprisonment. The legislation provides for a penalty of up to five years in prison. When the suspect is someone close to the victim, the Court can also determine protective measures to prevent approach and avoid new situations of violence or attempts to prevent the complaint. Importance of reporting Experts reinforce that reporting is a way to interrupt the cycle of violence. "She was a victim, another will also be a victim of this same aggressor and the cycle continues", said Sandra Ramos. The guidance is that family members talk to teenagers, monitor changes in behavior and encourage them to seek help. In the case of the instructor investigated in São José dos Campos, the defense informed that it will not comment because it is a process under judicial secrecy. City Hall reported that it has not yet been notified about the case. g1 also looked for the gym where the professional taught classes, but the place said it "cannot comment on a third-party process that is being processed in secret." See more news from Vale do Paraíba and the Bragantina region