Women, Monsters, And Sexual Harassment!!

Survivors of abuse show us the strength of their personal spirit every time they smile.

"It's all my fault."

"I'm alone."

"I provoked him."

"I'm powerless."

"I'm guilty."

"No one will believe me."

"I don't trust anyone."

"I'm unsafe and really want to die."

These are nothing but the lines of physical/mental abuse survivors during their trauma and depression.

Namaste.

Women across the world have tasted all flavors of life; from the glory and respect, to the denial and subordination, and finally to the struggle for equality, recognition and survival in the contemporary world. But the common thing in all these phases is the disadvantaged status of women that are due to gender differences and biases. They have made to face all kinds of violence, physical and mental abuse, and denial of right to live. Eve-teasing, molestation, physical harassment/abuse, mental/verbal abuse, and rape are the most common offences which have led to the growing harassment of women.

India is perceived as one of the world’s most dangerous country for sexual violence against women. Sexual harassment is a problem prevalent in the nation which is increasing at an alarming rate. In terms it can be referred to as any sort of unwelcomed, uninvited action or behavior which caused discomfort, humiliation, or distress to a person. Everyone thinks of harassment as trivial. “Just ignore,” is what everyone says. If it becomes too much, then it is better to report because the more you tolerate, the more it happens. The unwelcome acts or behaviour (whether directly or by implication) are namely:

• Physical contact and advances

• A demand or request for a sexual favour

• Sexually coloured remarks

• Showing pornography

• Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature

Just because you let them in, that doesn't mean you are to blame when monsters come for you in the darkness. - Jessica Katoff

Sexual harassment is a stigma on the society; which not only hurts the person but also takes away their dignity. Not only this, disclosure of this in the society will led to trauma to the survivor:

• Due to the non acceptance in the society

• Keeping them apart from social activities

• Looking with suspicion

• Defamation in the society

• Fear of the society, fear of defamation of the family in the society.

Whenever we talk about sexual assault or abuse, the only thought that comes to our mind is that it only happens to a woman. But in today’s era, we should not forget the fact that sexual assault can happen to other genders too. The Indian upbringing of a man has created a stereotype that a man can never feel pain, and if he does, he is not a man.

In the country, 30% women between the age of 18 and 49 have experienced physical violence, while 6% have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime. Despite, only 14% of women who have experienced physical or sexual violence by anyone have brought the issue up. The total number of sexual harassment complaints at workplaces climbed by 27 percent in the financial year ending March 2022 compared to the previous year, according to data analysis compiled by an anti-sexual harassment advisory site.

However, provisions existed in various laws for the protection of women from various forms of sexual harassment.

POSH Act. Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 was passed with the objective of providing protection to the women at workplace. It is applicable to every public/private establishment that carries out any commercial, vocational, educational, entertainment, industrial or financial activities in the whole of India. Wait!! Are sexual harassments only happen in workplaces? What about our homes, colonies or sorroundings?

IPC Section 294. Obscene acts and songs.

IPC Section 354. Outraging the modesty of a woman.

IPC Section 354A. Sexual harassment and punishment for sexual harassment.

IPC Section 354C. Voyeurism.

IPC Section 354D. Stalking.

IPC Section 499. Defamation.

IPC Section 503. Criminal Intimidation.

IPC Section 509. Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman.

Harassments doesn't come only as physical or sexual, they can visit us like mental or verbal abuses. Unsolicited calls by telemarketers or strangers for women is a bigger problem as they are subjected to inappropriate messages, calls. According to a report by Truecaller, data shows that over 9% of the women receive these calls daily, while 52% receive a harassing phone call at least once a week.

Regardless of age or gender, the impact of sexual harassment goes far beyond any physical injuries. The trauma of being raped or sexually harassed can be shattering, leaving you feeling scared, ashamed, and alone or plagued by nightmares, flashbacks, and other unpleasant memories. If neglected, they can lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD), anxiety and depression.

Reach Out. It may be challenging, but sharing your story can help begin the healing process. Identifying the people in your life who support you may be another helpful step toward healing.

Empower. Empowerment may look different to each person, so try to focus on what’s best for you. Behaviors include yoga, meditation/breathing exercises, talking to loved ones, practicing mindfulness, walking/running and so forth.

Trauma Work. Trauma lives in the body, not in the mind, so it’s important to go into the body to release and integrate it.

In order to protect women from the crimes it is very important to introduce various programmes from such sexual harassment in the employment places, in schools, in colleges, or in any place by any person known, or stranger, introduce human rights and to spread the awareness amongst the people, to give education on kindness, equality and humanity.

PS: You’re not a victim for sharing your story. You are a survivor setting the world on fire with your truth. And you never know who needs your light, your warmth, and raging courage.

Lemme know your thoughts in the comments. Thanks!

Jai Hind.