Don’t Stay Quiet, Report Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is a tough topic to discuss, but many of us have experienced it or known someone who has been a victim of it.
It’s important that those who have been victims of it speak up and report it and educate others on the issue.
This form of harassment is described as behavior characterized by unwelcome or inappropriate physical advances in work environments or social settings.
According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, each year there are more than 463,000 victims of rape and sexual assault in the United States who are 12 years or older.
When I was 16, I was a victim of physical advances and sexual harassment from two older coworkers.
One was 32 years old and he constantly made sexual comments toward me and sent disgusting messages through Instagram about things he wanted to do to me. My other coworker was in his 60s and he hugged me every day and frequently pointed out my female body features.
At the time, I thought that type of behavior was normal and brushed it off. But when I told a coworker what was happening, she told me to contact human resources. Coming forward, which is exceptionally difficult, was the best thing I did.
I showed screenshots of the conversations between me and the 32-year-old and explained how the man in his 60s was being inappropriate. Human resources investigated and fired both employees.
But even though they were gone, mental and emotional scars remained. I was constantly afraid of being approached and groped because of my female features and it made it difficult to trust new individuals. It has also affected my love life because simple thoughts make me feel disgusted and used.
No one deserves to receive unwanted comments about their physique, whether it was meant as a compliment or as offensive. No one deserves to have hands laid on their body without consent.
But if it happens, find people you can trust. You don’t have to suffer alone.
It’s best to speak up and report it. It might be hard, but it’ll set you free.
