Sexual Harassment vs. A Joke

How can you tell the difference? It’s not always obvious. If you know someone well enough and they make a joke, you’re likely not to see a problem with it.

On the other hand, when someone makes a sexually suggestive joke and it makes you feel uncomfortable, that can be sexual harassment. At any time you feel uncomfortable about sexually related comments made towards you, that is sexual harassment. A joke would be funny. Sexual harassment is not.

If you ever feel harassed, talk to someone. A friend, family member, or someone else you trust. Get support. If it continues you can talk to someone above you. If it’s happening in the work place, talk to your boss (or someone above that if it’s your boss that’s the offender). If in the long run nothing is done about it, you can always talk to the police and see what can be done.

Sexual harassment is not something you have to deal with alone. If someone is belittling you or making you feel uncomfortable in that way, do something about it. You don’t deserve it.