Harassment cby peers is different, and comes in many forms, such as teasing, unnuendo, inappropriate sexual comments, street harassment, unwelcome touches or kisses, obscene jokes or e-mail messages, sending pornographic photos, sexist graffiti, etc. More serious episodes tend to involve groups of men who denigrate women by rating their sexual attractiveness, whistling and shouting lewd comments, sexually violent rituals used by certain fraternities, vandalizing sororities, or even gant rape. If I learn to identify the many forms that harassment can take, I will be able to identify problematic behavior early on and take action as soon as possible before it gets worse. I don't want to make things worse, so I've just learned to ignore it. Although victims frequently ignore harassment in the hope that it will stop, in actuality this is often perceived as encouragement.
Studies show that harassment typically continues or worsens when ignored.
Some women may mistakenly feel flattered by harassing comments, see them as normal, or fear social disapproval if they speak up. I will learn to establish clear boundaries and develop assertive strategies to confront harassers, in order to take care of myself. If women wouldn't dress or behave provocatively they wouldn't get harassed. Sexual harassment has little to do with dress, sexiness, or attractiveness, and much more to do with power and control. No manner of dress is an invitation to be touched or verbally harassed.