In the last few weeks, with all that is going on globally, the sexual harassment bill has become paramount. What then is sexual harassment? It is important that people identify and unlearn certain inappropriate behaviors that have been normalized by the longevity of rape culture.

UNWomen(2008)describes sexual harassment as any unwelcome sexual advance, request for favor, verbal or physical conduct, behavior or gesture of a sexual nature that might cause offense or humiliation to another person. Here are some actions that are considered sexual harassment:

Pressuring someone for any sexual favor does not involve consent. It is an unwanted gesture and a form of sexual harassment.

Body autonomy should be respected. Inappropriate touching and grabbing of a person’s body is a form of sexual harassment.

It is inappropriate to make sexual comments or tell stories that are sexually related without the involvement or consent of the other party. It is sexual harassment.

Turning a work/school setting discussion into a sexual conversation without consent is sexual harassment.

Exposing your body parts or masturbating in front of a person without consent is absolutely wrong. It is sexual harassment.

Making comments that connotes sexual interest about an uninterested or underaged person’s body is a form of sexual harassment.

Actively attempting to lure an uninterested person into watching or choosing to share pornographic content is sexual harassment.

Whistling at someone or catcalling at a person (known or unknown) indicates an inappropriate sexual attraction to that person. It’s sexual harassment.

What other actions do you know that can be classified as sexual harassment. Let us hear your thoughts.

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