Sexual harassment can come in many forms. According to the Vishakha Guidelines, it is defined as,
- physical contact and advances;
- a demand or request for sexual favors;
- sexually colored remarks;
- showing pornography;
- any other unwelcome physical verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature.
In an unequal society that leaves us with trauma and discomfort of various sorts, supporting each other is a necessary and subversive act.
While we try and dismantle archaic structures like the Brahminical patriarchy, it is equally important to conceive of new feminist structures; ones that are based on support, solidarity and an ethic of care. In an unequal society that leaves us with trauma and discomfort of various sorts, supporting each other is a necessary and subversive act.
So how can we be more sensitive and caring to someone who has faced sexual harassment? There is no, one straightforward answer, because people are diverse, violence comes in many forms and each case is different. But having said this, there are still some basic principles that we can all follow. This infographic tries to break them down.
Though the infographic attempts to provide a starting point to become a supportive person to someone who has faced sexual harassment, the list is certainly not to be thought as exhaustive.
If you know someone, who has gone through such an episode of trauma, this infographic could be of help, whereby you could extend your support and solidarity for the survivor and do your best to help them tackle such a situation and help them recover from the trauma they are facing.
Also read: Justice Denied, Despite Multiple Complaints Of Sexual Harassment At Presidency University, Kolkata
Featured Image Source: Network Of Executive Women
