Sexual Harassment And Sexual Assault

There is a serious issue that has recently been given national media attention. The serious topic sexual harassment and sexual assault was initially given media attention after the #MeToo movement begun within the Hollywood industry. Although the subject of sexual harassment and sexual assault was given attention, there is information dealing with this subject that is not discusses. Information of what exactly is sexual harassment and sexual assault consists of, how it can be dealt with and what consent is.

In order to fully understand and join the discussion on sexual harassment and sexual assault the different types that exist. There are four different forms in which individuals that are sexually harassed can be affected. There is coercion

and bribery, or also known as quid pro quo, which can be better understood as something gained from something given (Kelly 2014, 403). An example in the work place is a supervisor promising a subordinate a raise if the subordinate has sexual relationship with the supervisor. There is also the establishment of a hostile environment which is conformed of uninvited advances, suggestive messages and unwanted sexual attention (Kelly 014, 403). This can be described as a worker making innuendoes in front of a coworker that is uncomfortable. Hostile environments can also consist of aggressive or outrageous acts; these acts are depicted as unwanted embraces, kisses, and fondling (Kelly 2014, 403). A description of this would be a student repeatedly asking out another classmate who has made it clear they are disinterested. The final way an individual can be affected by sexual harassment known as the third party effect. The third party effect is when a third person is affected by sexual relationship between other (Kelly 2014, 403). A way to look at this situation is when professor has a relationship with a student that allows student to have an academic advantage or special consideration.
In addition to sexual harassment, there is the issue of sexual assault which included engaging in sexual acts without the other individual’s consent or against that individual’s will, or rape (Kelly 2014, 410).

It is important to understand that there are different types of rape that include different nonconsensual sexual acts. Any penile, finger or object penetration done orally, anally or through vagina that was not consensual is rape (Kelly 2014, 410). There are also different factors such as age that play a part in what is legally considered rape. Statutory rape is term used by the legal system to illustrate the circumstances in which an adult or teenager engages in sexual intercourse with an underage individual (Kelly 2014, 411). Although in the scenario where a person can obtain consent of the other individual it is not rape; if the person the other person is a minor they cannot legally give consent. There is also acquaintance rape, more commonly referred to as date rape, which consist of rape committed by a boyfriend or someone who knows the victim (Kelly 2014, 413). It is a common misconception that rapist is unknown strangers but that is not the actuality. The statistics show that at least 28% of rapes are done by friends, neighbors and coworkers (Kelly 2014, 413). This is a startling statistic in addition to that there is also rape between spouses. Although the concept of marital rape is not widely believed in the past, this had begun to change; the NHSLS

reported in 1994 that 9% of women were forced into sex by their husband (Kelly 2014, 414). These are alarming rates of sexual assault and there need to be certain steps to be taken in order to prevent sexual violence.
To first establish preventive measures against sexual assault and sexual harassment is to certain myth that should be addressed.

It is important to recognize the fact that women are not only ones affected by sexual violence and that men are also victims of raped and harassment, too. Secondly, is inform as many individuals of what sexual harassment is that way they can be aware of what is happening when face to face with sexual harassment. If the individual is facing sexual harassment there is five steps that can be taken in order to deal with sexual harassment. Step one is to seek support that way there is someone to lean on (Kelly 2014, 406). Step two know who to report such incident to. Step three be clear about your needs if you feel uncomfortable say so. Step four write a letter to the perpetrator stating the behavior that was unwelcomed, the feelings that were generated and concise message that the behavior needs to stop (Kelly 2014, 406). In addition to learning about sexual harassment and how to deal with it when it occurs, there needs to be a discussion about consent. Consent is the freely given verbal, or nonverbal, communication expressing willingness to engage in sexual activities (Kelly 2014, 408). There is a Ted Talk that aims to spread awareness about locker room talk and consent. In this video Alexis Jones brings up a fantastic point that “consent” is a scholar word that not many people use instead everyday language should be used to explain the concept of

consent should be accessible so that people understand (2017). When giving and receiving consent the message should be clear that way there is no misunderstanding later on.
In order to reduce sexual harassment and sexual assault there needs to be awareness. It may be a taboo subject or too boring to go over in a meeting but it is necessary so that victims can speak voice their concern. Individuals need to know what sexual harassment, sexual assault and consent are. That way they know what to do when it happens around them or to them.