Hello Everyone,
I hope this week has treated you well.
I’ve decided to write about something that I’m sure all women, and sometimes men, experience in Guyana- sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is defined as unwanted sexual advances or obscene remarks in any situation such as work, school or even in the home. In most countries, it is considered illegal and can be punished by expulsion or loss of job.
Some examples are unwanted physical sexual advances (hugging, kissing, touching), verbal requests, unwanted personal attention (phone calls, visits, letters, texts), sexual or “dirty” jokes, or even spreading rumours. Unfortunately, it can affect people of all ages.
Many Guyanese believe that people invite these actions by their behaviour or dress. This cannot be more wrong. It does not matter how you act or dress, no one deserves sexual harassment.
There are two major types of Sexual Harassment.

1. Quid pro quo (“this for that”). This occurs when it is explicitly stated or implied that one will benefit from performing acts of a sexual nature, such as a promotion or better grades for sexual favours.

2. Hostile Environment. This occurs when the harassment is so severe that it creates an unsafe, intimidating or abusive environment.
A study done in the United States found that as many as 70% of women and 45% of men experience sexual harassment in the work place. I imagine Guyana’s statistics would be the same or even higher. Why not encourage your superiors to do surveys in your work place so we can know for sure?
Sexual Harassment and Mental Health
Sexual Harassment can cause many ills in both women and men. It is known as a common stressor that increases anxiety, blood pressure, depressive symptoms, low self-esteem, helplessness, anger, and sleep problems. It can also increase frustration, difficulty concentrating, embarrassment, self- blame, withdrawal, isolation and increased absenteeism to avoid the harassment. Victims may also experience strained relationships between co-workers and classmates. This can cause long term depression and self- doubt in both youths and adults- all of which of course can lead to suicidal thoughts
Studies have also shown that harassment can cause levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This means the victim keeps re-experiencing the trauma and avoids people or places that might remind them of it. The individual may also feel anxiety and stress when having to attend the place of harassment. For example, a specific study in the U.S showed that women in the military who are harassed are up to four times more likely to develop PTSD.

What can we do?
We speak up. It is beneficial for you and others around you to report acts of sexual harassment. Perpetrators rarely ever stop on their own. It does not necessarily have to be in a rude tone; politely ask the individual to stop as it is important that we stop it right as it happens. Although, I do understand the fear that comes and forces one to just ignore the comments as I have been in the position myself.
As a woman who experiences it, I would like to discuss how it honestly makes me feel.
Everyone has down and insecure days. This occurs when you are not feeling like your best self. Even on my lowest day, I’m not complimented by these comments. They ALWAYS make me feel uncomfortable, vulnerable, belittled and embarrassed. I cannot imagine any woman appreciating these crude gestures so I do not know why men continue to do it. This is specifically referring to cat calls on the street.
However, I do have to admit that I have seen some women do it to men, which is even worse because it is encouraging a type of behaviour that the majority of women have been fighting to stop for years. In preparation for this article, I asked over 20 women of all ages and ethnicities how they feel about cat calls. Every one of them said that at no point do they appreciate street attention/ harassment.
Like most other fields, prevention is the best way to eliminate it. Hold seminars in school and offices about the dangers of it. If there isn’t such a workshop in your environment now, suggest one. The most important thing to remember is that is it not your fault if you experience sexual harassment.
I would like to begin writing success stories of individuals who have overcome any mental illness such as drug addiction, depression or anxiety. If you would like to share your story, anonymously or not, please write in to caitlinvieira@gmail.com. Also, continuing letting me know what else you would like to talk about OR stop in and see me at Woodlands Hospital Outpatient Department. For issues with drugs/ alcohol – Monday’s at 4:30. General mental health issues- Wednesday’s at 4:30.
Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!