Why Is It Important To Understand Sexual Harassment

What is sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is direct or indirect sexual behavior or gesture which a person does not desire. It is very important to understand what Sexual Harassment is and what are the alarming signs that we need to watch out for. Most of the times the trauma is so personal that the Adolescent does not share their experiences and feelings, leaving a long term impact on their personality.

Why Is It Important To Understand Sexual Harassment

Sexual abuse is a major problem and the incidence is very high in girls then boys.
It includes a range of behaviors from mild sexual advance to actual sexual abuse
or assault. It with “Eve teasing” that includes sexual remarks, physical contacts
and advances, showing pornography, a demand or request for sexual favors etc.
Sexual abuse can occurs in variety of circumstances like cafes, school abuses,
wash room in the school, classroom, staffroom etc.

It is important for us to identify an adolescent who is experiencing sexual harassment, suspected sexual abuse should be reported. We should help the Adolescent to develop safe, trusting relationship with authorities if required. Provide guidance and counseling facilities and professional help. We should ensure that no one should blame the adolescent directly, or laugh at them. There should be patient listening and empathetic approach by the counsellor that should be adopted with sufficient time given to student to ventilate his/her feelings, family therapy should be made available to the adolescent.

Unexplained injuries, with the excuse of “accidents”, frequent and sudden absences from school, unknown and harassing phone calls which the child tries to avoid are some signs of sexual harassment. Also fear to step out of the house, personality changes (like an outgoing child becomes withdrawn) are also some indications. Shame and guilt in speaking to someone ,submissive behavior, isolation from friends and family, anxiety and crying spells are indications that the child might require immediate counselling.

These are the alarming signs of sexual harassment to watch out in an adolescent. It is important to understand and take counselling session at the right time.