Stopping Sexual Harassment
by Ann Christine Johnson
Sexual harassment is about power, not about sex. It is usually defined as, ‘the inappropriate promise of rewards for sexual favors; bullying or coercion, obscene remarks, jokes, insults, and requests and advances of a sexual nature, especially by a person in authority toward a subordinate; any behavior of a sexual nature which makes a person feel offended, scared or humiliated.’ Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination. It can take place in the workplace, and in other professional and social situations. It disproportionately affects women, with 1-in-5 women experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace at one time or another.
In our everyday lives, most of us associate with others in a multiplicity of ways–at work, at the gym, at night clubs and footy clubs, at shopping centers, at school, and at play; when seeking professional help or advice; when receiving a professional service, such as a spine adjustment; and in the context of our family lives. In all of these circumstances, we have the right to feel safe and secure; to feel free from the unwelcome, severe, or pervasive advances of another deemed to be of a sexual nature.
Despite being outlawed for over 25 years, it is still the most common form of complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission.
It can take many forms. It can be verbal or non-verbal, written, visual or physical. It can be subtle, underhanded, or sneaky (e.g. a slight, ambiguous brush against you in an inappropriate place such as your breasts or your buttocks; groping your knees under a dinner table; an eye specialist asking a woman to take her top and bra off so he can monitor your heart rate and then taking ages to do so; being trapped in a confined space by someone who hints that if they do something for you on the sly that there will be something in it for them; a joke with a dirty meaning); usually done when no one else is looking ; making it hard for you to clearly define.
It can occur in a variety of settings, often in situations that you would least expect, and needs to be addressed as soon as it occurs. Even though the way to stop sexual harassment is to show the other person that you explicitly reject his or her advances; letting them know that you explicitly want them to stop touching you in inappropriate ways; that their behavior is affecting your health and causing you emotional distress; that their behavior is making you feel uneasy; that you will tell your parents, supervisor, and the appropriate authorities about what is happening if their behavior continues.
Unfortunately, in many cases of harassment, a number of issues arise that keep someone from reporting the incident and seeking help. These range from the deep shock and acute embarrassment that can be felt, the lack of personal or professional support, a lack of clarity or confusion about what is acceptable behavior and what is not, being told that you’re making a big deal out of nothing and should drop the matter; doubt as to whether others will believe you, or not; lack of confidence to speak up and stand up for yourself, and fear or absolute concern about retaliation or what might happen when you do speak up for yourself.
It’s essential to keep a written record of all the events surrounding any perceived sexual harassment; including the time, date, and location of any alleged incidents, and whether there were any witnesses. Then talk to and get some input from a trusted friend, family member, mate, or trained counsellor; then ask around to see whether this or a similar incident has happened to anyone else; and, where possible, avoid situations where sexual harassment might occur again. If you are convinced that an offence has been committed, and wish to proceed with this matter, you should contact the proper person or professional body, as soon as you feel able to, and lodge a formal complaint or at least a request that the matter be investigated. Although this may not stop the sexual harassment from occurring again, it will make the appropriate party or body responsibleon notice for rectifying the matter as soon as they can.
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About the Author
Ann C. Johnson Assoc MAPS: Psychologist has worked in the helping professions for the past 35 years. In the past seven years, she has published three books on personal and spiritual development. Inspired by posts she reads on Facebook and events happening in her own life, she continues to write articles on a regular basis.
Ann can also be found on: https://www.facebook.com/annjohnson1948
