People Should Not Sexually Harass Men, Women, Or Children Of Any Age





People Should Not Sexually Harass Men, Women, Or Children Of Any Age

On my fourteenth birthday weekend, the only desire I had was to enjoy my weekend in New York City. I was petite, thin with long dark hair and big brown eyes. On one of those evenings, I secretly wished for smoldering looks. I could never have imagined that my dreams and expectations for the city would soon be shattered, and my mind poisoned. I was on the subway that evening, being hollered at by a much older man. Personally, as a fourteen year old, being sexually harassed was a traumatic experience for me. To this day, that moment on the subway haunts me; having to live with that memory is devastating. People should never feel the need to sexually harass another person, no matter their gender or age. 


What Sexual Harassment Is

According to the website Raiin it states that sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature in any environment. Although sexual harassment laws do not cover offhand comments, these behaviors can lead to a negative emotional impact to the victim. Listed below are the many different forms of sexual harassment: 

  • Making conditions or employment dependent on sexual favors
  • Physical acts of sexual assault
  • Requests for sexual favors
  • Verbal harassment of a sexual nature
  • Unwanted touching or physical contact
  • Unwelcome sexual advances
How Common Sexual Harassment Is And The Effects

The effects of sexual harassment can be long-lasting and affect the victims mental health. 
As previously mentioned, Raiin, states that victims of sexual harassment are four times more likely to develop symptoms of drug abuse, PTSD, and more likely to experience major depressive episodes. The statistics in terms of sexual harassment victims ranging from men, women and children are listed below:
  • One in 9 girls and 1 in 53 boys under the age of 18 experience sexual harassment
  • 82% of all victims under 18 are female
  • 43% of men experience sexual harassment in their lifetime
  • 81% of women experience sexual harassment in their lifetime
Where Sexual Harassment Can Take Place

Sexual harassment unfortunately can happen in any place: The comfort of your home, school, and any other location. In the article by New York Times, it tells the story of a graduate student who notified Harvard University that an anthropology professor was sexually harassing her. In the course of the investigation, the professor was accused of kissing, hugging and groping her in the lawsuit. This is an example of how sexual harassment can happen in any place and from anyone, even the places someone should feel safe, like a college campus and professors.


How To Overcome Sexual Harassment

When dealing with sexual harassment, it can be challenging to overcome the negative mental health it causes. There are many different ways you can cope, such as exercising, therapy, or even reading a book. A good example for overcoming sexual harassment would be from reading the book Just a girl, by Lucinda Jackson. This book is an autobiography of the authors ambition to become and succeed as a scientist during the "white man in power" era of the 1950s to 2010s. This book explains the struggles from girlhood unworthiness to sexist battles in the job industry while dealing with sexual harassment. This book suggests a different direction for America to take a stop to the cycle of sexual harassment and gives a way to a brighter future for sexual assault victims everywhere. With the author providing a personal experience and turning it into inspiration, it affectively provides a credible source for victims struggling with this social injustice. 






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