Before launching in, Iwould like to define SEXUAL HARASSMENT as An act of discrimination against either gender in regards to sexual matters in gestures, expressions, verbal insults and sexual innuendos which result in discomfort, trauma and dissatisfaction to the intended victim.
From this, you can see our stance of Sexual Harassment covers a whole range of activities….it could be catcalls, pinching asses, a "gatal-hamsap" look, discussing sexual jokes or just plain staring at a person!! In fact, it is very difficult to define this word in a social context.
i’ve realised that a lot of sexual harassment borders on a thin fine line where flirting stands on one side, whilst the other side is harassment. We often don’t realise that our actions have become a harassment because over the years, our society has made this fine line grey, making it even more difficult for us to differentiate and distinguish the difference.
However, the effect, the trauma and the handicap that is imposed on an unsuspecting victim knows no bounds. I reckon most of you reading this would be writing me off as some fanatic victim who has experienced deep trauma due to being harassed. In fact, I have not and I hope I will not be inflicted this pain. But, I’ve definitely seen many people out there who have been affected….I’m not just speaking about depressed people who walk the street with their heads hung low with shame. In fact, a lot of this people are your freinds around you. Ask ANYONE on the street and they can vouch that they’ve been victimised and adulterated in this manner.
From looking at people around us, we don’t realise how much pain, regret, shame and dissatisfaction that goes around us!!! In fact, we as a group decided to start this blog as a voice for the many of you who’ve been inflicted, shamed or embarassed to speak about this social problem. In fact, IT IS a very difficult topic to bring up amongst friends because we can easily be labelled as being "overly-sensitive" but the fact remains, sexual harassment will continue to be the norm of our society so long as we do not speak out against it.
I do hope that this blog will be a catalyst for change in our generation, where social ills will be nipped at the bud, especially whilst we are all in school. Speak out! Come forth!
rachel