Sexual harassment is unwanted sexual behavior that is offensive, degrading or intimidating. This can be done in writing, verbally or physically, face to face or online.
Anyone, regardless of gender, can be sexually abused. When it happens at work, school or university, sexual harassment can be a form of discrimination.
What is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment can include:
Touching, holding or other physical contact with you without your consent
Making sexually explicit comments
Asking for sex or intercourse
Looking and looking at you
Being rude to you and showing offensive material in such a way that you or others can see
Making sexual gestures or making lewd bodily acts towards you
Making sexual jokes and comments about you
Asking about your sex life
Insulting you with sexual comments
Treating you during a phone call that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Difference between sexual harassment and sexual assault
Sexual harassment is a much broader term than sexual assault and covers a wider range of inappropriate sexual activities. Sexual harassment can include unwanted touching, sexual contact such as hugging or kissing.
As we discussed above, sexual harassment should not include sexual intercourse or sexual intercourse. This may include sexual comments, obscene jokes, or displaying content that offends you or others.
Sexual assault is when you are coerced, coerced, or tricked into engaging in any type of sexual activity, including touching, kissing, sexual acts, or penetrative sex.
Some cases of sexual harassment may also constitute sexual harassment. For example, if your boss or co-worker forced you to kiss them or touched you improperly without your consent, it could be a case of both sexual assault and sexual assault.
How sexual harassment can affect you
If you experience sexual harassment, you may:
Experience stress, anxiety or depression
Give up social situations
Lose confidence and self-esteem
Have physical symptoms such as back pain or problems with sleep
Be less productive and unable to concentrate.
What can you do?
No one deserves or demands sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is illegal (in terms of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984).
If you have been sexually harassed, you can:
Talk to the abuser.
You can resolve the situation yourself by explaining to the offender that your behavior is undesirable. However, this is only recommended if you feel safe and comfortable.
Tell someone
Sexual harassment is not something you have to deal with alone. At work, it may be worthwhile to talk to your Human Resources representative that can help you decide what to do You may also want to talk to a trusted friend or family member about what happened.
Get information
If you are harassed at work, school or university, find out what their policies and procedures are for preventing and dealing with sexual harassment. They may already have processes in place to deal with and support these situations.
Keep a journal
Document everything that happens, including when it happened, the names of everyone who saw it happen, and what you did to try to stop it. Taking these notes with you is very helpful when you talk to your manager or HR representative. to let them know what happened and when
Save any evidence
Save text messages, comments on social networks, notes and emails. This proof can also help if you make a claim.
Get external information and advice
If you’re feeling uncomfortable solving the problem yourself, someone can do it for you. They must respect your confidentiality. If you are concerned about this, ask them what their official privacy policy is.
What to do if sexual harassment persists If the sexual harassment continues, there can be mediation. You could be fired if you don’t get help or stop what you’re doing.
If You Eventually Have to Quit
If harassment has occurred at your workplace, you may be entitled to unpaid wages and claims if the harassment continues and you feel you have no choice but to quit your job.
If you are not satisfied with the official response to your complaint.