(Newswire.net — October 10, 2022) — Sexual harassment is a problem facing all genders in the modern world. From the nightclub to the workplace, incidents of sexual violence are on the rise. Knowing your rights against sexual harassment can help you to protect yourself in the eyes of the law.
Unfortunately, no country in the world has yet managed to stamp out sexual harassment. Often, sexual discrimination and harassment lead to sexual aggression and eventually violence. If we do not challenge the cultures which allow it to continue, we become part of the problem. Arming yourself with information is a good starting place for understanding what you should do if you feel you are the victim of harassment.
This article details the usual places where sexual harassment occurs, how to recognize it, and what your rights are in its face.
When might Sexual Harassment Take Place?
There are many times in your life when sexual harassment might take place. Here are some commonly reported locations:
- In the workplace
- At home
- In the street
- When you are in a pub or club
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
The most obvious answer to this is in the workplace. Often, sexual harassment begins with discrimination. In the workplace, this might start with your boss making exceptions for you. It could be that they assume your skill level based on misplaced negative perceptions of your gender. Workplace sexual harassment can start with a forced hug, inappropriate touching as they pass you, and other trivial things. If left unchecked, it can escalate. No one in your workplace should touch you without your permission. When people in a position of power exert sexual advances towards you in the workplace, you may not feel you can say no and keep your job. The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission reports a rough average of 98,000 reported cases of sexual harassment in the workplace annually in the USA. These are only the reported crimes.
Your Rights Against Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
In most states, you have 180 days to file a case. If you work for the federal government this becomes 45 days to contact an EEO counselor. You should raise your concerns at work, with a higher-up individual than the one causing you trouble. If the problem persists, raising a legal case ensures workplace harassment becomes outdated.
Sexual Harassment at Home
Sexual harassment at home usually refers to anyone forcing you into sexual favors to help cover the rent. However, this extends to other people too. According to the Department of Justice, homeowners who make comments about your clothing, body, or sexual acts they want you to perform, are all sexual harassment in housing.
Landlord Sexual Harassment is more common than you would think. Discrimination might look like your property owner only accepting rent from your husband, or asking you questions about why you live alone or where your children’s father is. This goes both ways, with female property owners also a threat. This discrimination could escalate into sexual aggression. Property owners demanding sex for payment has become such a commonplace activity in the US, that the Department of Justice has issued landlords a warning against it.
Your Rights About Sexual Harassment at Home
The Fair Housing Act exists to protect your rights. You can file a complaint through the Housing and Urban Development department. You can speak to your harasser and air your thoughts if you think that would work. You can always bring a legal suit against them if you have proof of their actions.
Street Sexual Harassment
It is possible that you will experience sexual harassment when you are on the street. Street-based sexual harassment could include cars honking horns at you and drivers or passengers shouting aggressive comments at you. It could include people commenting on your outfit, or even someone who won’t stop making advances on you when you have asked them not to. Excessive touching, unwelcome following or stalking, and flashing are all incidents of street sexual harassment.
Know Your Rights About Sexual Harassment on the Street
First, get somewhere safe. These incidents are often frightening, so take a moment to recover when you reach your safe and public place. You should report street harassment to the authorities in your area, even if it is just a passing incident. Sexual violence perpetrators often grow in confidence with each unchallenged incident. Challenging them stops the spread.
Sexual Harassment in a Pub or Club
Sexual harassment in pubs and clubs is rife on a global scale. With estimates in America suggesting that 40% of people have experienced sexual harassment in pubs or clubs, the true figures may be far more shocking. Across the sea, in the UK a recent survey found as many as 80% of women experience sexual harassment on a night out. In fact, women expect harassment as part of their night out. This kind of culture is not acceptable.
Know Your Rights About Sexual Harassment in Pubs and Clubs
Your first course of action should be to approach the bar or club staff and inform them of what has happened. There may be security staff you can go to. They are there to make sure you are safe and might well decide to ****** the culprit from the property. Many bars and clubs have an ‘ask for Angela’ scheme or something similar. If you feel under threat from the people you are with, you can ask the bar staff for Angela, which discreetly lets them know you are in danger. You will see signs for this in the toilets.
You can raise your concerns with local police if you feel unsafe or if the bar has not performed due care towards you. Make sure you do not leave the building alone.
Sexual Harassment Happens Everywhere
Sexual harassment and sexual violence happen everywhere, every day. It could happen on a bus, in your workplace, or at home. Know your rights and report it when it happens. If people everywhere keep fighting back, sexual harassment will eventually end.