Dealing With Sexual Harassment

You probably think it will never happen to you but sexual harassment can happen to anyone. Maybe you think you're too old or not attractive enough for such a situation to occur. Wrong again. Sexual harassment can happen to people of any age or sex. Perpetrators of such behavior come in all forms. They can be young enough to be your son or old enough to be your grandfather.

Women are no exception either. There are cases where women are guilty of sexual harassment as well as men. This type of situation may arise in the workplace or other setting. You could be sexually harassed by anyone. It could be a co-worker, neighbor or an in-law. It could be someone at the local supermarket or bank. It could be a student, landlord, relative or your best friend's father. You don't know until it happens to you.

What do you do if someone is sexually harassing you? Don't put up with it. Stand up for yourself and your rights. All too often, people remain silent because they fear they won't be believed if they tell someone. This is most likely to be the case if the harasser is a friend or relative of someone close to you. For example, if your sister's husband (your brother-in-law) or your best friend's father, uncle or brother is the one harassing you, it may be easier to keep quiet rather than speak up. Silence is understandable but it won't stop the problem. You might spare a friend or relative's feelings and preserve your relationship but it will be at the expense of your personal rights being infringed upon.

It is likely that if you break such news to your friend or relative she will refuse to believe it. No one wants to believe that someone they love and care about is behaving in such an inappropriate manner. Their first reaction may be anger toward you and then denial of the alleged offender's behavior. Telling the truth may cause hard feelings or even end a friendship but you have every right to protect yourself. People who are experiencing sexual harassment may try to avoid the person who is harassing them but if the offending person is a friend or relative it may be more difficult. Other friends or family members may notice that you are avoiding a certain person and begin asking questions. You can't continue to feel uncomfortable and live a lie. You should not have to be on edge because you fear running into the offender.

Sexual harassment can take many forms such as comments, gestures or trying to touch someone in an inappropriate manner. Sexual harassment can invade any area of your life and it can consume your whole life. People have given up jobs and even homes because sexual harassment has become unbearable. No one should have to quit a job or move away to avoid being harassed. Sexual harassment can ruin your life if you let it. Stop it before it goes any further.

In some cases, a direct approach may be enough to quell the harassment. The next time the person makes a move, stand your ground and confront the offender. Let the individual know that you don't appreciate being harassed and that you will tolerate it no longer. Inform the offender that if the offensive behavior doesn't stop immediately that you will take the matter to superiors, if it is work related or that you will take legal action by going to the authorities. If the behavior continues, take action. Do as you stated. Don't make empty threats that leave you continually harassed. Report the behavior. You don't have to be a victim.