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Sexual Harrassment By Kanchana Chandra-Kumar Unfortunately, sexual harassment happens too often. If you have been a victim or know somebody who has this appalling behaviour. Make sure you step up and speak up. I hope this article can give you a better understanding about the steps and actions you can take to prevent sexual harassment from going any further. Sexual harassment is any UNWANTED sexual attention, actions or words. It includes everything from rude comments to being forced to have sex with someone. Some cases of sexual harassment are simply annoying, however others are more serious and can deeply hurt victims. Sexual harassment is not the same as flirting, joking or dating. It's okay to flirt with people you like, flirting is usually considered mutual. What is the difference between flirting and harassment? FLIRTING HARASSMENT Feels good Feels bad Makes me feel attractive Makes me feel cheap Is a compliment Is degrading Is two way Is one-way Is positive Feels out of control I like it Makes me feel helpless Sometimes women tend to do nothing about being sexually harassed, because they think that, it happens to everyone. The fact is, it doesn't. They have awareness campaigns trying to portray woman's rights in the work place. Woman deserve to be treated fairly. Have you experienced ? Rude comments directed at you and has this made you feel uncomfortable? Any unnecessary or unwelcomed physical contact such as, touching, patting, pinching or kissing? Being pressured to go out on a date constantly, when you don't consent to it? The thought that you could be giving the wrong impression to your harasser? Sexual harassment where it has gone to the point of stalking?   If you have said yes to more than two of these points, then you don't have to put up with it! We recommend you go to the proper authoroties immediately! In South Australia we have the Young Workers Legal Services. To make an appointment you could go online to www.utlc.org.au/ywls or simply phone (08) 8212 3938. These services should be available in all states and territories. Remember Harassment should not play a role in our society, so put a stop to while you still can!   Here's a real life story, it could happen to anyone. Names have been changed for protection and confidential purposes. Glenda works the late shift at a fast-food restaurant. Some regular customers come in after the bar closes. A few of the customers are drunk and make comments about Glenda. They tell her how well she fills out her uniform and ask what she is doing after work. To protect herself, Glenda has learnt to keep a wet rag in her hand, that she uses to splash customers when they get too close. Since she has told her manager about the persistent rude comments, the manager has scheduled Tony, another worker to swap duties with her during this time. This story is from the book. sexual harassment " this doesn't feel right" by kate havelin © 2000 capstone press