Stop Sexual Harassment

About one week ago, longtime Fox News host, Bill O'Reilly, was released by Fox new after the disclosure of a series of sexual harassment allegations against him. An internal investigation exposed more. Over the years, both Fox News and its parent company stood by Mr. O'Reilly, even settling with the five women for a total of $13 million.

Last year, Roger Ailes resigned from his role as Chairman and CEO of Fox News for the same reasons as Bill O'Reilly. He was accused of misconduct by Gretchen Carlson, a former host. Her lawsuit caused a shift in the media world and states that women are no longer going to tolerate sexual harassment while working for reputable companies. Even former anchor, Megyn Kelly spoke out regarding Bill O'Reilly and sexual harassment towards her.

So, with that said, let me ask a question. Sexual harassment can come from both sexes, men towards women, women towards men, men towards men, and women towards women. But why, in all these scenarios, the women lose more in the end when they are the victims?

Before you answer that question, let's figure out what exactly is "sexual harassment".

According to the website, "feminist.org", sexual harassment is any of the following unwarranted behaviors:

• leering

• wolf whistles

• discussion of one's partner's sexual inadequacies

• sexual innuendo

• comments about women's bodies

• 'accidentally' brushing sexual parts of the body

• lewd & threatening letters

• tales of sexual exploitation

• graphic descriptions of pornography

• pressure for dates

• sexually explicit gestures

• unwelcome touching and hugging

• sexual sneak attacks, (e.g., grabbing breasts or buttocks )

• sabotaging women's work

• sexist and insulting graffiti

• demanding, "Hey, baby, give me a smile"

• inappropriate invitations (e.g., hot tub)

• sexist jokes and cartoons

• hostile put-downs of women

• exaggerated, mocking 'courtesy'

• public humiliation

• obscene phone calls

• displaying pornography in the workplace

• insisting that workers wear revealing clothes

• inappropriate gifts (ex. lingerie)

• hooting, sucking, lip-smacking, & animal noises

• pressing or rubbing up against the victim

• sexual assault

• soliciting sexual services

• stalking

• leaning over , invading a person's space

• indecent exposure

Some of the most recognized signs of sexual harassment are:

1. Direct sexual advances or propositions, including higher-ranked employees asking for sexual favors.

2. Intimidating or excluding women employees to jeopardize their employment status.

3. Creating a hostile workplace for women by using sexist jokes, remarks, or pinning up sexually explicit or pornographic photos.

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination. It is covered under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Any acts relating to sexual harassment is not mutual and is unwelcome. It is rude, demeaning, and is usually about the abuse of power. It can psychologically weaken the victims and result in the lost of employment, lost wages, demotion or mental affect which can be hard to overcome.

Now back to that question, so why do women lose, well, according to a recent survey, 1 in 3 women between the ages of 18-34 have been sexually harassed at work. And unlike movies or television shows, sexual harassment is hard to spot. Some women who are being targeted don't even realize it!

So now that you have some information about sexual harassment, what are some things you can do if you or someone you know is a victim of sexual harassment?

In Back Off! How To Confront and Stop Sexual Harassment and Harassers, by Martha Langelan, she recommends taking these steps:.

• Do the unexpected: Name the behavior. Whatever he's just done, say it, and be specific.

• Hold the harasser accountable for his actions. Don't make excuses for him; don't pretend it didn't really happen. Take charge of the encounter and let people know what he did. Privacy protects harassers, but visibility undermines them.

• Make honest, direct statements. Speak the truth (no threats, no insults, no obscenities, no appeasing verbal fluff and padding). Be serious, straightforward, and blunt.

• Demand that the harassment stop.

• Make it clear that all women have the right to be free from sexual harassment. Objecting to harassment is a matter of principle.

• Stick to your own agenda. Don't respond to the harasser's excuses or diversionary tactics.

• His behavior is the issue. Say what you have to say, and repeat it if he persists.

• Reinforce your statements with strong, self-respecting body language: eye contact, head up, shoulders back, a strong, serious stance. Don't smile. Timid, submissive body language will undermine your message.

• Respond at the appropriate level. Use a combined verbal and physical response to physical harassment.

Sexual harassment also affect women and men in schools, colleges and universities. Sexual harassment in schools in illegal under Title IX of the 1972 Education Act.

With recent news stories shining light of what is happening to women especially, regarding sexual harassment, it is time our voices are heard in the fight to put a stop to it! Don't believe it is okay or it is part of climbing the corporate ladder. If it makes you feel uncomfortable, chances are it may be sexual harassment. Speak up and speak out!

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Until next time, speak up and speak out!