Sexual harassment is a controversial issue that has been talked about a lot in the last year since the MeToo movement began, but there are many components that are still not talked about and this should change. There should not be anything taboo about discussing sexual harassment or assault.

Sexual harassment is defined as harassment (typically of a woman) in the workplace or other professional or social situation, involving the making of unwanted sexual advances or obscene remarks, but it is often very subtle. Sometimes it’s a quick comment or an uncomfortable touch. People should feel free to voice their thoughts on this and should feel comfortable saying, “Please don’t talk like that or touch me.” And people should be comfortable saying, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable. I won’t do it again.” This gives girls and boys a voice and keeps boys out of trouble–since that is currently a big concern. If you are asked to stop, stop and be nice about it.

Many people think that sexual harassment only happens to women, and while that may be most common, anyone can be sexually harassed anywhere and by anyone. It is not always strangers and it is not always the opposite sex. In addition, the person being harassed doesn’t have to do something to provoke the unwanted attention. It doesn’t matter what he or she is wearing. That is never an excuse for harassment.

Although sexual harassment can be done by the opposite sex and by strangers, sexual harassment can play out very differently in different situations. As many as 93% of victims were said to have known the attacker, whether that be family, friends, church members, or acquaintances. People who have been affected by sexual harassment should not be afraid to speak up about the experiences that they have had because of the fear of being judged or being told that it it’s their fault, and they should not be forced to suffer in silence. This is something society has to stop supporting. We need to start encouraging open dialogue and discussion.

There have been marches and movements that have been held to get the word out about sexual harassment and to encourage people to share their experiences. When victims talked about the things they experienced and shared why they didn’t come forward sooner, many said similar things: they were scared of being judged by others, they were afraid that there would be negative repercussions, and the biggest one was that it is just difficult to come forward because it is hard to come to terms with what happened.

People who have experienced sexual harassment and assault should not be afraid of speaking up because of fear of embarrassment or negative consequences. Nobody can control the actions of others, but everybody can speak up about their experience to try to help end the occurrences of sexual assault. There are many organizations that are available for those who have been and are struggling with the trauma of sexual harassment/assault.

These organizations are there if people want to receive help or just want to talk about the experiences. It’s important to end the shame from sexual assault and harassment and to get help if it is adversely affecting your life.  

Sexual assault hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673)

https://leanin.org/sexual-harassment

https://www.rainn.org/get-help