Written By Durojiaye Suilat Mosunmola
Despite the widespread outcry over the rising cases of rape in Nigeria, there seems to be no end to the nemesis. There is no day in the country without a reported case of sexual violence especially rape among young girls in the media. The youth need to be know what sexual harassment is all about.
What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment is unpleasant sexual behaviour that’s offensive, humiliating or intimidating. It can be written, verbal or physical, and can happen in person or online.
Anybody can experience sexual harassment, regardless of their gender or age and it can happen at place of work, school and soon. Rape is not a medical diagnosis. It is a legal terminology reserved for cases of penile penetration of the victim’s vagina, mouth, or anus without consent. Other types of sexual assault include forced or coerced vaginal or anal penetration by any other body parts or object; breast or genitalia fondling; or being forced or coerced to touch another person’s genitalia. It involves lack of consent; the use of physical force, coercion, deception or threat; and/or the involvement of a victim that is mentally incapacitated or physically impaired (due to voluntary or involuntary alcohol or drug consumption), asleep or unconscious.
Sexual assault is not peculiar to any particular race or socio-economic class. The World Health Organization reports that one in every five women is a victim of sexual assault and globally, 35% of women have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence. The regions of the world with the highest reported rates of sexual and physical violence towards women are Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
But before rape can take place there must have been something behind it which may or might be unknown to the third party so here are some of the causes of rape in the society.
Power Differential:
The top cause of sexual harassment complaints stems from the power dynamics at work. Many cases involve senior-level officers abusing their power to sexually harass and intimidate others. Victims are often coerced into sexual acts because they are offered professional favors or fear to lose their job if they refuse their superiors. Creating a culture of equality will help eliminate the fear of retaliation.
A Culture that Implies Acceptance:
In a relaxed work environment, there’s often a wink-wink, nod-nodoffice culture that’s accepting of an employee’s quirky yet inappropriate behavior. Although some people may be comfortable in that environment, saying things like “Oh that’s just how he is,” others may be offended and feel uncomfortable which leads to sexual harassment complaints. All employees need to be held accountable for following the established code of conduct.
Not Understanding Harassment:
Some employees don’t fully comprehend what counts as sexual harassment at their office. They might not realize that greeting a colleague with a kiss on the cheek or complimenting their appearance is grounds for a sexual harassment complaint. On the other hand, complaints also stem from employees who think they’re being harassed but technically are not according to company policies. By clearly defining sexual harassment, organizations can avoid these sticky situations.
Poorly Managed Policies and Procedures:
Employee handbooks contain legal jargon in order to remain compliant with the law, which can be hard for employees to fully understand. They also tend to be reviewed only once, during new hire orientation. When policies and procedures aren’t expressed clearly and spoken about frequently, the rules are more likely to be broken. Organizations need to have policies in place that explain proper behavior, have zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior, and contain a written code of conduct. Continually reinforcing company policies and educating employees will prevent a hostile work environment.
Excessive Stress:
When under a lot of stress, an employee is likely to express their emotions towards others. Verbal abuse, physical altercations, and other stress-releasing actions create harassment situations in the heat of the moment. By creating a stress-free work environment and teaching employees how to cope with stress, employees will be less likely to act out against their colleagues irrationally.
*How Sexual Harassment Can Affect You*
If someone have been sexually harassed, they might go through the following; feel stressed, anxious or depressed, Withdraw from social situations, Lose confidence and self-esteem, Have physical symptoms of stress, such as headaches, backaches or sleep problems, Be less productive and unable to concentrate and so on.
In conclusion is a grievous crime which when happens leaves detrimental, physical, social and psychological effects on its victims. Adolescents continue to have the highest rates of all age groups. Assailants are often known to their victims who perpetrate this act during the daytime. There is a need for a more comprehensive evaluation and care of victims in order to prevent serious sequelae and deter assailants. This may be achieved by the utilization of standardized protocols and also Increase public awareness and preventive interventions are required particularly within the at-risk age group to enhance their safety.
Durojiaye Suilat Mosunmola is a student of icon universal polytechnic
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