Dealing with Sexual Harassment

"Let there be no Filthiness nor Foolish Talk nor Crude Joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving". (Ephesians 5:3)

What Is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment means bothering someone in a sexual way.

Some Facts you need to Know:

·         Sexual harassment is an unwelcome and unpleasant behavior.

·         Sexual harassment is not a GAME or a PLAY.

·         Sexual harassment in most cases grows into sexual assault (rape).

·         Sexual harassment in most cases is repeated when not dealt with.

·         Sexual harassment is only defined from the victim’s point of view.

·         Sexual harassment is against the law.

·         The goal of a sexual harasser may not be sexual, but to gain power or control over the victim.

·         Men/males are also victims are of sexual harassment, most especially from older women/ gay men.

·         Sexual harassment is also very common on the internet (e.g. Cyber-bullying)

Examples of Sexual Harassment

Verbal Harassment: Telling sexual jokes and stories, Asking about sexual fantasies, preferences, or history, Making sexual comments about a person's clothing, anatomy, or looks, Making kissing sounds, howling, and smacking lips, Telling lies or spreading rumors about a person's personal sex life, Referring to an adult as a girl, hunk, doll, babe, or honey, Making sexual comments about a person's body.

Non-Verbal Harassment: Looking a person up and down (elevator eyes), Staring at someone, Blocking a person's path, Following the person, Giving personal gifts, Displaying sexually suggestive visuals, throwing kisses, or licking lips, Making sexual gestures with hands or through body movements, showing up your genitals (Sexual organs).

Physical Harassment: Giving a massage around the neck or shoulders, Touching the person's clothing, hair, or body, Hugging, kissing, Grabbing Caressing, patting, or stroking, Standing close or brushing up against a person, forcing.

Virtual Harassment: Unwanted Love poems, Love letters, Cards, Obscene poems, Obscene gestures Sexually suggestive cartoons, posters, drawings, magazines, pictures and sending unwanted videos.

Common Doors to Watch Out that lead to Sexual Harassment 

1. When someone is trying to help/give you an assistance.
2. When someone is supervising you.
3.When someone is looking/staring at you.
4. When you are in a relationship.
5. When someone is talking/ giving jokes.
6. When someone is angry with you for rejecting his/her request.
7. When you are in a competition with someone.

Some Common Places of Sexual Harassment:

1.      Workplace

2.      Internet (e.g. Facebook)

3.      School

4.      Street

5.      Home

What to Do When Faced with Sexual Harassment

1.      Keep a Journal (writing) of details of who, when, where, what and how of any sexual harassment experienced. 

2.      Be aggressive to state your position to the Harasser.

3.      Get a few witnesses even at first attempt.

4.      If the harasser repeats it, get to the nearest Authority and report your case for the law to be enforced.

5.      Be positive about yourself and live your life. Do live in self-blame, guilt, fear or shame.

6.      Watch and pray. I called this WP strategy. It works best!!! You can use prayer to drive away sexual harasser from your life.

Live in freedom...live the purified life.

Rufus Elijah Yamoah

Sexual Morality Counselor