Sexual harassment is a widespread problem that many people face in their everyday lives. Unfortunately, it’s often difficult to know what constitutes sexual harassment, and many people don’t feel comfortable speaking up about it because they are scared of what society might think or say. But if you think you may be a victim of sexual harassment, you are not alone.

Sexual harassment can take many forms, including:

Sexual advances.

Unwanted sexual touching.

Unwanted sexual comments.

Sexist jokes.

Harassment of any kind.

If you are being harassed, you may want to consider telling someone about it. There are many people you can tell. For example, you can speak to a friend, supervisor, counselor, or teacher. You can also talk to someone at the office or at your place of worship.

In this article, we’ll discuss what sexual harassment is, how to identify it, and what you can do if you experience it.

Definition Of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is also known as sexual abuse can be defined as the following:

1. Actions or statements that create a hostile environment or cause physical or emotional harm to a person.

2. Actions or statements that include unwanted sexual advances, sexual touching, or unwanted sexual comments.

3. Actions or statements that demean a person because of their sex, race, national origin, ethnic background, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or disability.

Anybody can experience sexual harassment, regardless of their gender. When it happens at work, school, or university, sexual harassment may amount to a form of discrimination. People who are sexually harassed feel uncomfortable and demeaning. They may feel embarrassed, frightened, and angry. They may feel that they’ve lost control over their own life. Sexual harassment can affect people’s self-esteem and cause them to have negative feelings towards their jobs, their schools, their families, and their friends.

Sexual harassment is not just about sex, sexual harassment can also be a form of discrimination. Discrimination happens when a person is hired, promoted, or treated differently because of their race, ethnicity, sex, religion, or disability.

Effect Of Sexual Harassment

• withdrawal from social activities.
• Resulting in the loss of confidence and low self-esteem.
• Become less productive and unable to concentrate.
• have physical symptoms of stress, such as headaches, backaches, or insomnia.
• feel stressed, anxious, or depressed.

Withdrawal From Social Activities

People who are going through sexual harassment tend to isolate themselves because they are afraid of speaking out. They may withdraw from social activities, such as parties, clubs, or social activities with their friends. They may feel too embarrassed to go out, attend social gatherings, or even hang out with friends. This can be a very painful experience.

People who are sexually harassed often feel confused and uncertain about their own feelings. They may have trouble figuring out what is right and what is wrong.

Resulting Loss In of Confidence And Low Self Esteem

Sexual harassment can make people very ashamed. This can affect people’s confidence and self-esteem. They may feel uncomfortable or feel that people see them as sex objects. They may also suffer from low self-esteem. They may feel that they are not good enough. They may feel that they are not smart or attractive enough.

Become less productive and unable to concentrate

Sexual harassment can affect people’s ability to think clearly, concentrate, and finish their work. It can make them distracted and unable to think straight. People who are sexually harassed may have trouble concentrating and concentrating on one task at a time.

Have Physical Symptoms Of stress, Such As Headaches, Backaches, Or Insomnia.

People who are sexually harassed may feel stressed out, anxious, or depressed. They may have physical symptoms, such as headaches, backaches, or insomnia. These can lead to sleep problems which will prevent them from functioning well in the given tasks and the society at large.

Feel Stressed, Anxious, Or Depressed

It is very easy for those who have been sexually harassed to slip into depression and may suffer from stress, anxiety, or depression. These can be very painful experiences and which is why people who are sexually harassed can feel helpless and hopeless.

What To Do If You Have Been Sexually Harassed

A lot of victims find it difficult to talk especially due to threats from their culprit but you need to understand that you have to speak up, your freedom begins with your voice.

 Find The Right Person To Share Your Ordeal With

Do not hesitate to seek help from different places. You may want to seek help from a counselor, priest, or therapist. If you have already tried to speak to your boss or the offender, then you can try to speak to your parents, teachers, or a school counselor. You can also tell your parents that you are experiencing sexual harassment. Whatever you choose to tell or whatever way you decide to share your story, the most important thing is for your voice to be heard, and always remember that those threats are to prevent you from talking.

Make An Official Report

If you think your school or workplace hasn’t responded properly to your sexual harassment or you notice people around you are not taking you seriously, you can make a complaint to either the security agents around you like the police force, Human Rights N.G.Os, or your state/territory Human Rights Commission. Reporting a complaint is absolutely free.

Learn Self-Defence

Learn how to protect and defend yourself in times of danger. Whether you are being physically or verbally assaulted or being sexually harassed, learn how to protect yourself. Find out who is responsible for your harassment and take appropriate actions.

Conclusion

You don’t have to be a victim of sexual harassment to be a victim of discrimination. Although sexual harassment is often directed at women and girls, it can happen to anyone. If you are experiencing any form of sexual harassment, you don’t need to suffer in silence. You have the right to be safe and you have the right to feel safe.

Sexual harassment can be a very painful experience, but you do not have to suffer. You don’t have to stay in this situation. You can start living a life without harassment by making a stand for yourself.

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Thank you.