How do you know if you have become a victim of sexual harassment?
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The concept of “harassment” (from the French harassment — exhaustion, suffering) became widespread at the end of the 20th century and initially defined behavior that violated a person’s personal boundaries. Modern definitions of this word do not differ much from the original meaning, but over the years they have acquired a special connotation.
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Sexual harassment is any type of sexual harassment (verbal or physical) that makes a person feel ashamed, humiliated, or intimidated. And this cannot be ignored.
Today, sexual harassment can be encountered anywhere — at school, at work or in public places. It is important to recognize this and fight it in every way possible.
Types of sexual harassment
Sexual harassment includes
- Inappropriate looks;
- Jokes of a sexual nature towards a specific person;
- Sending photographs, cartoons, video files of a sexual nature without the consent of the recipient;
- Inappropriate questions or conversations about someone”s sexuality or personal life;
- Unwanted physical contact or gestures;
- Insults;
- Spreading sexual gossip;
- Threats of dismissal if the victim of sexual harassment does not reciprocate touching, offers to meet, etc.;
- Stalking is behavior that makes a person feel unsafe (stalking includes: unwanted visits, persistent phone calls or text messages, constant surveillance of the home, school or workplace).
If you are a victim of sexual harassment, remember that you are not to blame and should not be held responsible for the inappropriate behavior of the harasser. No matter what. And in such situations, it is normal to experience anxiety, depression, fatigue, insomnia and other manifestations of physical and emotional exhaustion, as well as problems with relationships with others and self-esteem.
I am being sexually harassed: what can I do?
Most people who experience sexual harassment in the workplace or in schools remain unaware of the situation due to fear of accusations from others. This isolated behavior is considered the victim”s greatest mistake. Silence and inaction never lead to anything good; on the contrary, they only make the situation worse.
If you have been the victim of sexual harassment, you need to be aware of your rights and try to put an end to this inappropriate behavior. Below is a list of what you can do.
Finding information that will help
Every school has a policy for preventing sexual harassment and bullying, and you can always contact the administration.
Every workplace also has documents that can help you obtain the information you need in accordance with labor laws. If one of your best colleagues is engaging in sexual behavior toward you, here are the contact information for people you can contact. Read also:
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Keeping a so-called “record”
Maintaining so-called “accounting”
Dialogue with the person pressuring you
Dialogue with those who apply pressure
“When you look at me like that, I feel uncomfortable. Stop it.”
- “I”ve already turned you down when you asked me out before, and I”m not going to change my mind.” If you don”t leave me alone, I”ll have to take extreme measures and report this to someone else.”
- “I”ll file a police report if you try to touch me again.”
- “I have a sense of humor, and what you”re saying is not meant to be a joke. This is sexual harassment. If you don”t stop, I”ll have to raise this issue publicly.”
- Seeking Help
Asking for help
Healing the consequences of sexual violence — psychologist Tatyana Zhuravleva
In educational institutions, you can report harassment to a teacher, psychologist, vice-principal or director.
If you decide to seek help, consider the following:
Ask a friend or colleague to be present during the conversation so that there is a witness who can confirm the incident in the future;
- Provide any written evidence;
- Find out how you will be protected later;
- Make notes during the meeting (what time the meeting took place, who was present, what outcome you arrived at) in case the situation does not change or gets worse.
- Statement to the police
Statement to the police
Changing schools or jobs
Changing schools or jobs
Sexuality education to combat sexual harassment
Sex education is a system of health and educational interventions that explores and addresses a wide range of topics, values and beliefs related to a person”s sex life. Sex education classes can be taught in educational institutions, in public places or through online courses on the Internet.
Comprehensive sexuality education teaches people how to properly and effectively protect their health, well-being and dignity.
If you have experienced sexual harassment and then decide to completely change your life, remember that there is nothing wrong with getting support from others. You can discuss this topic openly with family and friends, as well as with professionals who can offer professional support and advice on improving your physical and mental health.
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