6 Different Types Of Harassment You Could Experience
Harassment includes different behaviors aimed at intimidating, humiliating, or coercing someone. Understanding the different forms of harassment can help someone recognize when it happens to them or someone they know and how they can effectively address this type of behavior. In this article we’ll take a look at some of the types of harassment you might face in different areas of your life.
Harassment is an ongoing issue that can impact not only the individual’s well-being that experienced it but society as a whole and it comes in several forms. From verbal and physical intimidation to cyberbullying and workplace discrimination, harassment manifests in numerous ways, leaving those who have experienced it feeling vulnerable and traumatized.
Harassment includes different behaviors aimed at intimidating, humiliating, or coercing someone. Understanding the different forms of harassment can help someone recognize when it happens to them or someone they know and how they can effectively address this type of behavior. In this article we’ll take a look at some of the types of harassment you might face in different areas of your life.
Verbal Harassment
Verbal harassment involves the use of spoken or written words to demean, belittle, or threaten individuals. This can include insults, derogatory remarks, or verbal attacks targeting a person’s race, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. Verywell Mind found that verbal harassment can have serious psychological effects on victims, leading to feelings of worthlessness, anxiety, and depression.
Physical Harassment
Physical harassment entails any form of unwelcome physical contact or behavior that is intended to intimidate or harm others. This can range from aggressive gestures and unwanted touching to physical assault. Victims of physical harassment may suffer from physical injuries, as well as psychological trauma.
Sexual Harassment
An Orange County sexual harassment attorney from Manly, Stewart & Finaldi explained that sexual harassment involves unwanted sexual advances, comments, or behavior that create a hostile or intimidating environment for individuals. This can occur in various settings, including workplaces, schools, and public spaces. Victims of sexual harassment may experience feelings of shame, fear, and powerlessness.
Psychological or Emotional Harassment
Psychological or emotional harassment encompasses behaviors aimed at manipulating, controlling, or intimidating individuals through psychological means. This can include gaslighting, threats, and constant criticism designed to undermine a person’s self-esteem and confidence. Victims of psychological harassment may struggle with feelings of isolation and self-doubt.
Cyber Harassment
Cyber harassment, also known as online harassment, involves the use of digital platforms to intimidate, harass, or bully individuals. It can have devastating effects on victims’ mental health and reputation. Just a few examples from the Cybercrime Support Network include if someone is threatening or sending abusive messages to you, attempting to break into your online accounts, posting offensive or derogatory comments on your social media pages, and publishing derogatory or private information about you online.
Workplace Harassment
According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), workplace harassment refers to any form of harassment that occurs in the workplace, including harassment based on race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics. This can take the form of discrimination, intimidation, or retaliation against employees. Workplace harassment not only affects the victims but also undermines organizational culture and productivity.
Steps You Can Take If You Have Experienced Harassment
If you have experienced any of these types of harassment there are steps you can take.
Set Boundaries
The first is to set boundaries. While this can be hard for some people, it is important to tell individuals what is acceptable behavior and what will happen if they cross your boundaries.
Limit Exposure
If possible, limit your exposure to the individual(s) you’ve experienced harassment from or don’t see them entirely. Limiting your exposure will give you time to step back and evaluate your interactions and relationship with that person with a clear mind. During this time, surround yourself with those you do have a healthy relationship with.
Remove Yourself From The Situation
If, after taking a step back, you realize that this relationship will not change and will continue to have negative effects on you and your mental health, consider ending the relationship and removing yourself from that environment completely if you can.
If this is a workplace situation, this might mean moving to a different department or site or, at worst, looking for another job entirely.
Seek Help
Experiencing any kind of harassment and harassment for long periods of time can impact your mental health. Consider seeking a therapist or talking with trusted loved ones to help yourself develop healthy coping skills and allow yourself to heal.
Wrapping Up
Harassment in any form is a terrible thing to go through and it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.
There are many groups available who can help you depending on the type of harassment you’re facing, your organisation may also have a dedicated HR officer responsible for employee well-being that you can talk to as well.
Remember to note down all of the dates and times that the incidents take place noting anyone who may have witnessed what happened. Keep all written correspondence and save any voicemails relating to the harassment.
If you feel you are unable to go to your boss or HR about the matter then seek out advice from a Union representative, local advice agency such as Citizen’s Advice in the UK or a registered legal professional.