Sexual Harassment and Abuse
Based on this week’s reading, what are the delimiting factors which determine whether or not an individual is experiencing sexual harassment or sexual abuse? In your opinion, how prevalent are these offenses and what is an appropriate response?
Unfortunately in our society, we have been gradually increasing sexual liberties in the ways we dress, talk, and act in any and every public venue. This sexual liberation from both genders has helped to blur the boundaries of sexual harassment. Balswick and Balswick define sexual harassment as “any form of unsolicited language or touching containing sexual overtones. It includes sexual jokes, suggestive talk and unsolicited physical advances (Balswick and Balswick, 2008).” Based on that definition and what I know of many work places, especially hospitals, outsiders could perceive that sexual harassment is alive and well on any given day. Though many of those sharing sexual jokes and innuendos would adamantly deny that they were harassing anyone, they could not deny that they shared unsolicited material. They chose to verbally pass along what they found to be funny from their experiences or mind, while simultaneously failing to consider how the information may be received and perceived by those listening. Generally, those that object are thought to be sensitive people and are excluded from future exposure. Most institutions and work places today have established grievance policies for anyone that perceives they are experiencing sexual harassment. The boundaries of sexual abuse are clearer than the boundaries of sexual harassment. Sexual abuse is more profound, affords greater injury to the victim, and carries stiffer consequences for the perpetrator. Balswick and Balswick define sexual abuse as “a sexual act imposed on a child or person who lacks emotional, maturational, and or cognitive development (Balswick and Balswick, 2008.” Balswick and Balswick use the terms sexual abuser and sex offender
Unfortunately in our society, we have been gradually increasing sexual liberties in the ways we dress, talk, and act in any and every public venue. This sexual liberation from both genders has helped to blur the boundaries of sexual harassment. Balswick and Balswick define sexual harassment as “any form of unsolicited language or touching containing sexual overtones. It includes sexual jokes, suggestive talk and unsolicited physical advances (Balswick and Balswick, 2008).” Based on that definition and what I know of many work places, especially hospitals, outsiders could perceive that sexual harassment is alive and well on any given day. Though many of those sharing sexual jokes and innuendos would adamantly deny that they were harassing anyone, they could not deny that they shared unsolicited material. They chose to verbally pass along what they found to be funny from their experiences or mind, while simultaneously failing to consider how the information may be received and perceived by those listening. Generally, those that object are thought to be sensitive people and are excluded from future exposure. Most institutions and work places today have established grievance policies for anyone that perceives they are experiencing sexual harassment. The boundaries of sexual abuse are clearer than the boundaries of sexual harassment. Sexual abuse is more profound, affords greater injury to the victim, and carries stiffer consequences for the perpetrator. Balswick and Balswick define sexual abuse as “a sexual act imposed on a child or person who lacks emotional, maturational, and or cognitive development (Balswick and Balswick, 2008.” Balswick and Balswick use the terms sexual abuser and sex offender
References: Balswick, J.K. & Balswick, J.O. (2008). Authentic Human Sexuality: An Integrated Christian Approach (2nd Ed.). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.