Are you being bullied, sexually harassed or put upon? Even if you haven’t encountered it before, please read this!
You’ll never know when you’ll be encountering this kind of situation so it’s always better to know how to tackle it before it happens. If you have no idea why are we discussing this issue, please continue reading this article:
A while back, Ain Husniza Saiful Nizam’s cyber battle-cry to #MakeSchoolASaferPlace led to a nationwide online movement…
Source: The Star
Many young Malaysians have also been stepping out of the shadows to share their stories of sexual violations in schools and it shows that Ain’s case is like a catalyst for increasing awareness about gender-based violence in schools.
An IG account has also been established to be a platform for the victims to voice out their dreadful experience from school:
View this post on Instagram
Sexual harassment is really intense and depleting. While there are physical sexual harassment happening, there are also virtual sexual harassments! Thanks to smartphones, social media, and messaging apps, while they allow us to connect, these technologies have also made it easier for harassers to prey on their victims! In this case, we all should learn how to stand up for ourselves when facing this kind of situation instead of hiding away from it:
1. You’re not overthinking or being oversensitive!
Honour your feelings. The feeling is real and you should acknowledge it. Project confidence and calm. So what if someone who makes you uncomfortable doesn’t like you? Being liked by unlikable people is significantly way less important than your own happiness and well-being. Remember, you are worthy of respect and your feelings are important!
2. “Please don’t do that. I don’t like it.”
Stand tall. That’s right, you should act up and say no! If someone by words or actions does something that makes you feel uncomfortable, tell the person in his/her face firmly that their behaviour offends you. What if they respond with a laugh “I was only joking”? Then say directly, “Not funny to me, stop it.”. Direct communication is better than ignoring the behaviour and hoping it will go away.
3. Keep subtle
It is best and safer to keep low on yourself. Do not disclose your location, mobile numbers, and any other personal details. Make sure your social media accounts have strict privacy settings.
4. Talk to someone, you’re not alone
Do not suffer quietly. If you can do it safely, talk to supportive friends, family members, and someone who is close to you about the harassment. Telling others about it not only provides you much needed support, but it can also be important evidence later.
5. It doesn’t stop? Make a report
Do you feel that nothing has changed and you still feel unsafe? What should you do if the harasser continues? Before you can find justice, you must report any incident of sexual harassment immediately. If harassment happens at your workplace, speak with your Human Resources department, if there is one. To students, if it happens at school or university, seek help from teachers, counsellors, and administrators. You need to know that the harassment is not your fault, nor is it a reflection on yourself. Keep asking for help until the harassment stops!
Sexual harassment is no joke. Let’s be more mindful and caring to the people around us, you wouldn’t know what they are experiencing. #MakeSchoolASaferPlace
