What is Harassment and How to Deal with It?
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Have you ever felt uncomfortable, threatened, or intimidated by someone’s words or actions? If so, you might have experienced harassment. Harassment is a serious issue that can affect your mental and physical health, your work performance, and your personal relationships. In this blog post, I will explain what harassment is, what are the different types of harassment, and what you can do if you are being harassed.
What is the legal definition of harassment?
Harassment is the act of systematic and/or continued unwanted and annoying actions of one party or a group, including threats and demands. The purposes may vary, such as racial prejudice, personal malice, sexual interest, or illegal pressure to do something. Harassment is illegal and a victim can file for a restraining order or a lawsuit against the perpetrator.
However, not every unpleasant or offensive behavior qualifies as harassment. To be considered harassment, the behavior must be:
- Unwanted, uninvited, and unwelcome
- Causes nuisance, alarm, or substantial emotional distress
- Has no legitimate purpose
- Targets a protected class of people (such as race, religion, gender, age, disability, etc.)
- Is severe or pervasive enough to affect the terms and conditions of the victim’s employment, education, housing, or public services
For example, if your coworker makes a rude comment about your appearance once, that may not be harassment. But if your coworker repeatedly makes such comments and creates a hostile work environment for you, that may be harassment.
What are the types of harassment?
There are many types of harassment that can occur in different settings and situations. Some of the most common ones are:
Sexual harassment
This is any unwanted or unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. Sexual harassment can be quid pro quo (when someone offers or denies something in exchange for sexual favors) or hostile environment (when someone’s behavior interferes with another person’s work or education).
Racial harassment
This is any verbal or physical conduct that shows hostility or aversion towards a person because of their race, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Racial harassment can include racial slurs, jokes, insults, threats, graffiti, gestures, or violence.
Religious harassment
This is any verbal or physical conduct that shows disrespect or intolerance towards a person because of their religion or beliefs. Religious harassment can include mocking, ridiculing, proselytizing, discriminating, or interfering with someone’s religious practices or observances.
Disability harassment
This is any verbal or physical conduct that shows contempt or prejudice towards a person because of their physical or mental disability. Disability harassment can include name-calling, teasing, bullying, excluding, isolating, or harming someone because of their disability.
Age harassment
This is any verbal or physical conduct that shows bias or discrimination towards a person because of their age. Age harassment can include jokes, stereotypes, insults, comments, or actions that imply that someone is too old or too young for something.
These are just some examples of harassment. There may be other forms of harassment based on other protected characteristics such as sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy status etc.
What can you do if you are being harassed?
If you are being harassed by someone at work , school , home , online , or anywhere else , you have the right to take action and protect yourself. Here are some steps you can take if you are being harassed:
Tell the harasser to stop
Make it clear that you do not appreciate their behavior and that you want them to stop. Be firm and assertive. You can do this verbally or in writing.
Document the harassment
Keep a record of when , where , how , and who harassed you. Write down what they said or did , how you felt , and how you responded. Save any evidence such as emails , texts , photos , videos , etc.
Report the harassment
If the harasser does not stop , report them to someone who can help you. This could be your supervisor , human resources department , teacher , counselor , landlord , police , etc. Follow the policies and procedures of your organization or institution. Provide them with your documentation and evidence.
Seek support
Harassment can be stressful and traumatic. You do not have to deal with it alone. Seek help from your friends , family , coworkers , classmates , therapist , support group , etc. They can provide you with emotional support , advice , and resources.
Know your rights
Harassment is a violation of your human rights and dignity. You have the right to be free from harassment and discrimination. You have the right to file a complaint or a lawsuit against the harasser. You have the right to seek compensation or damages for your losses and suffering. You have the right to be protected from retaliation or further harassment.
Conclusion
Harassment is a serious problem that can affect anyone. It can cause physical and mental harm , lower your self-esteem , damage your reputation , and ruin your opportunities. Do not let anyone harass you or make you feel unsafe. You deserve respect and dignity. You deserve to live and work in a harassment-free environment.
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