In 2012, National Commission for Women In Indonesia record there are approximately 4,336 cases of Sexual Harrasment in which 2,920 cases occurred in public space. This number proves that sexual harassment is actually becoming one of the issues that are faced by Indonesian. Despite being an issue, most Indonesians are still not aware of what ‘sexual harassment’ actually is.
So, here are the 3 things you need to know about sexual harassment.
1) Men experience sexual harassment too
From most of sexual harassment cases, the victims are usually women, but its possible that men could also become the victim of sexual harassment. Men and boys who experience sexual harassment will face the same feelings and reactions as other survivors of sexual harassment. Furthermore, they also need to face additional issues because of the stereotype of men and masculinity.
2) Sexual harassment could happen to anyone, and could be committed by anyone regardless of their gender or sexual orientation
Sexual harassment can happen to anyone, no matter your age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. This reason doesn’t make us stereotype the victims or perpetrators of sexual harassment because it could happen to anyone and be perpetrated by people who might have relationship with the victims. That’s why, as a bystander, if we encounter sexual harassment we need to help the victims regardless of their gender.
3) Sexual harassment includes non-consensual physical touch, written words, spoken words, as well as through gestures and visual of a sexual nature.
Some of you might think sexual harassment only consist of non-consensual physical touch such as sexual intercourse, inappropriate touching and so on. While actually, sexual harassment could be defined as ‘unwelcome sexual advance physical or verbal’. Therefore, every spoken words, or something written or might be any gesture or even visual, for example, showing their private part without your consent. It could be included as sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment is one of the issues that we need to face together. If it does not happen to you do not mean that it is not your problem. We should be together in voicing our opinion and helping the victims of sexual harassment. These three points of information open our mind that sexual harassment is not only about men harassing women, but it is also about a perpetrator harassing a victim without looking at their gender, age, or sexual orientation.
News Source Instagram @mybebasgangguanseksual
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