IF YOU have been following the news, both locally and internationally, you would know that sexual harassment is a trending topic for many reasons. I think the main one is that people have different views, don’t know or maybe don’t want to accept what it really is. It’s an important topic, as both men and women experience it daily which means they subsequently experience the mental health harms which arise from it.
Sexual harassment is not necessarily the same as sexual assault (which I will specifically talk about next week).

Sexual harassment is an unwanted sexual advance. It does not have to include any physical touch but can just be obscene remarks that are unwelcomed and uncomfortable. They can take place absolutely anywhere but are widely popular at work, schools and even in some homes.

Some are physical examples such as uninvited hugging, kissing or even basic touching while others can be verbal such as explicit compliments, dirty jokes or spreading rumours. It can be behaviours such as repeated phone calls, texts, letters, visits etc. At other times, it is simply personal attention that we do not care for.

While it happens to both gender, women are more often the victims – of any age, ethnicity or religion. The perpetrator can be anyone (male or female as well) such as a co-worker, boss, and friend or loved one. People may notice it or also experience it or you may be and feel alone in your struggle. The perpetrator may or may not be aware of the harassment and effects they are causing; this elevates the importance of speaking up.

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. For example, a promotion or better grades for sexual favours.

2. Hostile Environment. This occurs when the harassment is so severe but unspoken of which creates an uncomfortable, unsafe, intimidating or abusive environment.

HOWEVER, THEY CAN DEFINITELY OCCUR TOGETHER.
Sexual harassment can cause emotional, psychological and physical distress. It is known as a common stressor that increases the possibility of low self-esteem and self-confidence, anger, fear, shame as well feelings of helplessness and worthlessness. It brings about frustration, lack of concentration productivity and efficiency – especially in a work or school setting. It may cause self-blame, lack of trust in others, withdrawal, isolation and increased absenteeism to avoid the harassment. It will strain relationships with those around you, especially if they are within the environment where the harassment is taking place; sadly, this automatically decreases your support system.

All the above can increase the possibility of developing mental illnesses such anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or alcohol./substance abuse and suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

Some cases can manifest physical issues such as high blood pressure, headaches, and issues sleeping etc.

In many cases, people are publicly sexualised and objectified to a point where their character is put into question. In severe cases, this causes people to have to leave their jobs or drop out of school. This of course results in loss of opportunities, income, goals and dreams.

The major difficulty is understanding what it actually is and noticing whether or not you are doing it – being a perpetrator or victim. In a lot of cases, it’s not even something that can easily be explained, it can simply be a feeling that you are eliciting in someone or someone in you. As a woman, I can speak on the most common one that happens which is us being called off on the street. I want to make it clear, even on my most insecure days, I am not complimented or happy about comments that strange men make to me on the street. It makes me feel objectified, belittled, embarrassed and always uncomfortable and I do not believe I am alone in this. To the women who do it to men (as this does happen), I’m sorry to say that you are encouraging a behaviour that the majority of women find demeaning and have been fighting to stop for years.

WHAT CAN WE DO?
We already know that prevention is better than cure. Schools should have programmes with their students and businesses should have with their employees. Make it crystal clear on what it is as well as how serious and damaging it is.

Until then, we speak up if people are making us uncomfortable. 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. If it continues, it is beneficial for all to report acts of sexual harassment as perpetrators rarely ever stop on their own. We can all understand that it is difficult for a victim to speak out so if you notice something, why not speak out for them.
If you are a victim, I hope you know and understand that it is not your fault and it is okay to seek professional help if it is causing you psychological distress.

Finally, why not start a support group? I guarantee you that if you are experiencing sexual harassment in your current environment, you are not the only one. If you choose not to join together to make a formal complaint, join together just to support each other.
A specific study done on a popular company in the United States found that as many as 70% of women and 45% of men experience sexual harassment in the workplace. I imagine Guyana’s statistics would be the same or even higher. Why not encourage your superiors to do surveys in your workplace so we can know for sure? Then maybe, something finally is done about it.

Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com Or come in to see me at:
Georgetown Public Hospital: Psychiatric Department:
Monday- Friday – 08:00hrs-12:00hrs

Suicide Prevention Helpline numbers: 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896
Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always