A report from RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) states that an American is assaulted every 68 seconds. More horrific is the fact that there are over 400,000 victims of rape and sexual assault each year.
What makes these numbers more distressing is the fact that many victims of sexual assault don’t report them. This means that the actual numbers may be higher than what’s being reported.
Speaking out is important for victims of sexual harassment. Not just to bring the perpetrators to justice, but to also send a strong message that this kind of behavior isn’t tolerated. One way of doing that is by seeking the services of seasoned law firms like TopDog Law, Helm Group LLC. The firm, headed by James Helm, handles a range of cases, from sexual abuse and wrongful death to motor vehicle accidents and workers’ compensation. Just one look at his website, and you’ll know that James and his team are good at what they do: getting fair compensation for victims of injustice. James also releases short videos on social media where he talks about everything related to the law.
One worrying aspect of sexual harassment is the fact that some victims may not even realize they are being assaulted. They may take it as normal behavior or suffer in silence.
This article aims to change that. It lists some of the most common forms of sexual harassment. Awareness of the topic will help the average person identify signs of harassment and take the appropriate action.
Instances of Sexual Harassment
In general, sexual harassment is of two types. They are:
- Quid Pro Quo Harassment
- Hostile Work Environment
A quid pro quo harassment is when a person (usually someone in a higher position) demands sexual favors in return for work-related benefits. These benefits generally include:
- Promotions
- Reduced workload
- Work flexibility
A hostile work environment involves a range of acts, both verbal and physical, that are meant to affect the productivity or the physical or mental well-being of the victim.
Some of the more common instances of sexual harassment that someone may experience include:
- Kissing or trying to kiss someone without their consent
- Slapping on someone’s butt
- Requesting sexual favors
- Offering massages
- Catcalling
- Cornering someone without giving them room to move
- Rape
- Ogling
These are the most common forms of sexual harassment one might experience. That said, there are also other situations that can be categorized as sexual harassment. These instances are not reported so often as they may be brushed aside as behavioral traits or as a joke.
It is also important to note that actions that make a person feel intimated, distracted, or uncomfortable also count as sexual harassment. The actions below fall under the category of sexual harassment.
- Discussion of one’s sex life in public
- Circulating nude or semi-nude photos of someone
- Making double entendre or sexual jokes
- Asking about someone’s sex life
- Repeatedly complimenting someone’s appearance
- Sharing text messages or emails with sexually explicit language
- Touching or hugging someone repeatedly
Dealing with Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment needs to be dealt with with an iron fist. If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, consider doing one of the steps below.
- Confront the Perpetrator: Fear is a tool perpetrators use to get a psychological advantage over the victim. Don’t hold back. Confront the individual who’s making you feel uncomfortable, and let them know that their behavior will not be tolerated. If harassment is happening at a workplace, write and send a letter demanding they stop the behavior. Keep a copy for future reference.
- Preserve Evidence: It is important to collect and safely keep all the evidence related to the incident. Evidence is important since you have the burden of proof.
- Report the Incident: Reach out to any helpline. You could call the toll-free sexual assault helpline at 1-800-656-4673 or visit the RAINN website to seek help. Alternatively, you can also get in touch with the local law enforcement agency.
- File a Lawsuit: The perpetrator must be brought under the strong arm of the law. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with a local sexual harassment lawyer to get all the assistance you need.
