QUEZON City, Philippines (February 29) – The dictionary defines sexual harassment as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that tends to create a hostile or offensive work environment. In short, sexual harassment is any unwanted sexual act. A man and a woman can be a victim of this harassment but usually, girls and young women are more prone and at the highest risk of this issue. It may happen in many ways and may occur in a variety of circumstances.
Sometimes, a person doesn’t even know that he or she has been sexually harassed due to lack of awareness. It is important that a person must know what sexual harassment covers. According to the US Department of State, a person can be considered as being sexually harassed if that person was involved in;
- Sexual pranks, or repeated sexual teasing, jokes, or innuendo, in person or via e-mail;
- Verbal abuse of a sexual nature;
- Touching or grabbing of a sexual nature;
- Repeatedly standing too close to or brushing up against a person;
- Repeatedly asking a person to socialize during off-duty hours when the person has said no or has indicated he or she is not interested (supervisors in particular should be careful not to pressure their employees to socialize);
- Giving gifts or leaving objects that are sexually suggestive;
- Repeatedly making sexually suggestive gestures;
- Making or posting sexually demeaning or offensive pictures, cartoons or other materials in the workplace;
- Off-duty, unwelcome conducts of a sexual nature that affects the work environment.
There are some instances of sexual harassment where the woman was actually blamed for being the victim of the offensive act, with people negatively remarking on how they dressed or how they acted towards the offender. To prevent this, it would be helpful to follow some recommendations written in wikihow.com.
- Act confidently
- Weak individuals are often targeted as victims. By acting and speaking in strong ways, individuals take themselves out of many situations where harassment may occur.
- Let others know sexual harassment will not be tolerated. If a person makes a lewd comment, ask them not to. Keep your position on the matter clear.
- Dress and act modestly
- It is important to understand that some people put themselves, unknowingly, in questionable situations. They may be interpreted as welcoming such advances by dressing or acting inappropriately.
- It is never the victim’s fault if sexual harassment occurs, but it is important to distance yourself as much as possible from situations where such actions can take place.
- Keep appropriate company
- Do not maintain relationships with individuals around whom you are uncomfortable. Distance yourself from individuals who seem to be preoccupied with thoughts, words and actions of a sexual nature.
- Find friends that can be trusted and appreciated. Have things in common, such as senses of humor and jobs.
We hope that the aforementioned guidelines can help you avoid being harassed sexually.
A final note. The climate of blaming sexual harassment victims have made it difficult for such individuals to report such acts and most choose to be silent sufferers. This is wrong. This will only empower the offender. Do not tolerate sexual harassment. Even if it is not done to you personally or directly, report instances that you’ve witness. Let’s speak out against sexual harassment.
(written by Jasmin Monte, edited by Jay Paul Carlos, additional research by Lovely Ann Cruz)
