Sexual harassment. Who is a victim and what should be done?
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One way or another, both genders face sexual harassment. The concept itself is very ambiguous and contains many nuances depending on the traditions of the country, its legal norms and individual ideas about a person.
Contents of the article:
Sexual harassment can be defined as specific sexual behavior of a certain nature, verbal and/or physical coercion, and the promise of reward in exchange for certain sexual services.
There are no articles in our legislation providing for criminal or administrative penalties for harassment. The closest article is Article 133 of the Criminal Code, which provides punishment for forced sexual behavior.
The first article, similar to 133, appeared in the Criminal Code in 1923. Criminal liability was provided for the work (service) of women dependent on material coercion or sexual relations. Let us note that at that time we were talking about protecting women”s rights.
This amendment takes into account all the nuances and has been adopted more than once in the provisions of this law, but can never be considered. Moreover, a number of complaints were raised about the shortcomings of this code in the first years after its appearance in the Code of Criminal Procedure. Indeed, cases of domestic dependence, forced sex by mail through fear, and threats to material property were not specified. They recalled that men also quickly became victims of harassment.
Legal rules governing this issue
It has already been mentioned that harassment is understood differently in different countries. The more developed the state, the more clearly defined certain actions and responsibilities in relation to them are defined. In third world countries, the concept of sexual harassment does not exist at the legislative level as such.
Russian law establishes the circumstances under which a person can be recognized as a victim, as well as the elements of offense and sanctions—from fines to imprisonment. Our legislators didn”t limit themselves to Article 133. Articles 134 and 135 provide for liability for sexual conduct with minors. There are also articles on abuse of power. And since the methods of coercion can be very different, in many cases, articles on robbery, property damage, or slander also appear in sexual harassment cases.
In the United States, the situation with sexual harassment has recently reached such a level that many sensible people consider the accusations almost insane. The feminization of society has led to the emergence of some truly ridiculous allegations. For example, a recent case in which an elderly man who only gave flowers at the office (after retirement) was accused of sexual harassment by a man who had completely collapsed caused a very strong public reaction. Despite the rather bizarre attitudes and absurd distortions that arise from the individual characteristics of otherwise normal women, the rules governing sexual harassment are wise, clear, and offer virtually the entire spectrum of nuances that may arise.
Who is most often the victim of harassment?
Who is more likely to be a victim of harassment?
Contrary to popular belief, it is not only attractive women who become victims of sexual harassment. Of course, most of the harassment falls on them. In the United States, for example, a survey of middle and high school students revealed a fact that shocked the masses. 85% of girls and 75% of boys said that they had been sexually assaulted (of course, only physical — other forms are also provided).
After such alarming statistics were revealed, administrators of most educational institutions took strict measures. This is done in order to prohibit intimate contacts between pupils (students) and teachers. Indeed, why do institutions have to deal with scandals and lawsuits? After all, more than once couples, students and teachers, who were initially very prosperous, broke up, and the administration of the educational institution turned out to be the guilty party in court. And all this is greatly simplified by adopting a strict code of practice. No relationship — no problems.
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The mixed statistics on the number of sexual harassment in any country is also explained by the fact that many victims simply remain silent about such behavior towards them. Disclosure of the fact that they have become victims of such crimes is most often feared by those who rely on someone to find them. depend on work, financial situation and family circumstances. Victims of sexual blackmail are also forced to remain silent, afraid of the publication of damaging facts, afraid of publicity, and afraid that people with a lower level of social development simply will not be believed. For the same reason (“no one will believe me, and if they believe me, they will blame me”), teenagers remain silent and become victims of such crimes.
A whole book could be written about sexual harassment in the workplace — it is a very common phenomenon. This category includes behavior of colleagues, management and staff (physical, online and other) of an overt or covert sexual nature that is unacceptable to a particular victim. There is a lot of confusion in this definition. And often the accuser of harassment is a person who has no sexual or other intentions towards the “victim.”
What to do if you are a victim of harassment?
What to do if you are a victim of harassment?
Doing this without support will be difficult. Prove the facts of the behavior committed against you. Therefore, try to assemble a “support group” of loved ones or simply people who are kind to you. However, psychologists warn that this measure can be unreliable. If the matter escalates to an open dispute or to court, many will prefer not to intervene. Follow the “I”m not going to let my shed be the end of it” principle.
- Your own feelings of guilt (or perhaps you were unintentionally provoked) prevent you from standing up for your rights. Therefore, if you are not interested in a sexual relationship with this person and are certain that your signs are unsafe for you, do not engage in self-analysis by asking, “What action or word did this person take as approval of your behavior?”
- The abuser may change your mind if you seek the help of a mediator. A third party”s intervention shows the harasser that their behavior is no longer a secret and that you are not a helpless victim.
- A letter. This may help avoid further conflict. However, it is clear that you must properly explain your complaint against the harasser. State your willingness to remain confidential, provided that the unacceptable behavior towards you immediately ceases. Also, make it clear that if you are not heard, you will categorically defend your interests. Be sure to keep a copy for yourself.
- You should find out where you can turn if necessary. The police or a lawyer, if you are clearly threatened by the perpetrator”s sexual behavior. Social services and guardianship authorities (if you deal with child welfare authorities, for example, regarding family or educational matters). Guides and higher-level organizations, if the matter is effective. If you suspect influence on a boss or colleague, be prepared to inform them of the other side of the situation at any time.
- How does sexual abuse of a child affect their psyche and life?
Broken stereotypes
Broken stereotypes
On the other hand, sexual harassment of women towards members of the stronger sex is not uncommon. Where are the implicit taboos on this topic discussed? Firstly, there is a misconception that women are simply not capable of this. Interestingly, in 50% of cases, even women who harass certain men do not consider themselves guilty. What kind of persecution are we talking about? A woman wants a man and, of course, wants to give him her love. But what if a man doesn’t want this at all? It doesn”t matter whether he has a reason for it or not. This is the softest option. There is enough precedent for more demanding developments.
How can women force men to be intimate? The physical representative of the fairer sex may be less vulnerable than the average man. Men may simply not be able to endure, either due to illness or disability. And this is not at all interesting. Most of these terrible facts remain unknown because men prefer to remain silent. Statistics are also not based on anonymous surveys.
Women even more often resort to psychological rather than physical influence on the victim. Threats to the victim and her family, threats of slander (the banal “mirror” option is to accuse the victim of rape).
In the arsenal, morally dirty women are a means of influencing many objects of sexual desire — in case of refusal, the threat of suicide and the spread of false rumors that discredit honor.
No less sad are cases of sexual harassment by women holding key positions or working as teachers in educational institutions (for example, dismissal, degradation, exclusion from examinations).
Too often, men may consider the simpler option of consenting to sexual intercourse. This is not a weakness of male character, but the strength of social prejudice and male pride, which does not allow him to admit the violence committed.
The problem won”t go away on its own
The problem won”t go away on its own
New laws are being passed, restrictions are being imposed, and psychologists are working. But the situation is gradually changing. As always, you must do what you must to solve the problem. If you”ve become a victim of stalking, don”t be afraid to defend your interests and rights. Don”t remain a passive observer if you see a friend in a similar situation who needs help.
Childhood sexual trauma
