What is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature having the effect of verbal, non-verbal, visual, psychological or physical harassment.
Sexual harassment creates an offensive, intimidating or hostile learning, working or living environment. Victims are sexually harassed at public places, in public transport, institution and, very often, at the workplace.
Women and men can be victims or perpetrators. Sexual harassment can also occur between members of the same gender or different gender. It can occur between people of different status or people of the same status.
The basic rule is, it is likely to be sexual harassment if the person feels uncomfortable or threatened. It does not matter what the harasser’s intention is but is viewed from the victim’s perspective!
Types of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment can happen in many forms including:-
Physical
- Unwelcomed inappropriate touching, hugging or massaging
- Pressing or rubbing against the person’s body
- Deliberately standing very close
Verbal
- Referring a person in inappropriate expressions such as “sexy” or “baby” or “darling”
- Making obscene jokes/catcalling
- Talking about one’s sex life or fantasies
- Inappropriate comments or remarks about one’s body
Non-verbal
- Sending inappropriate sexual messages, images or videos
- Showing signs language denoting sexual activities
- Persistent flirting
Visual
- Staring sexually at someone or making inappropriate sexual gestures
- Showing pornographic materials
- Exposing themselves indecently
Psychological
Sexual harassment can happen at any online platforms too, such as:
The effects of sexual harassment can be profound and devastating. The victim can suffer a range of effects which may last a short term or long term. Some of the effects are below:-
- Repeated unwanted social invitations
- Pressure for dates or physical intimacy
Online Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment can happen at any online platforms too, such as:- Sending inappropriate sexual messages, images or videos
- Sending or sharing or posting a person’s sexual images or videos without her consent
- Impersonating someone and damaging their reputation by sharing sexual content or sexually harassing others
- Sexualised comments on the person’s posts on social media
- Threatening or pressuring someone to share sexual content of themselves or engage in sexual activity
Effects of Sexual Harassment on the Victim
The effects of sexual harassment can be profound and devastating. The victim can suffer a range of effects which may last a short term or long term. Some of the effects are below:-
Physical effects
- Increased stress level
- Headaches and fatigue
- Sleep and eating problems
Emotional effects
- Confusion and feeling of helplessness
- Humiliation, self-blame and guilt
- Shame and embarrassment
- Anger and fear
Psychological effects
- Depression and anxiety
- Phobias and panic reactions
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
- Low self-esteem and confidence
Work-related effects if it is a workplace harassment
- Dismissed from the job or resign the job
- Poor performances
- Absenteeism
- Decreased job satisfaction