Harassment is defined as unwanted and offensive behavior. This could include offensive jokes, name-calling, intimidation, insults, threats, physical assault, offensive objects and imagery, and unwanted attention.
Unfortunately, most women have dealt with unwanted attention at one time or another. Below, you’ll learn how to deal with unwanted attention in three common settings. To learn more about self-defense for women, enroll in the Women’s Safety Awareness Program from Greylake Training Solutions and The Global Guardian Academy.
At Work or School
If you’re experiencing unwanted attention at work or school, now is the time to read through your institution’s harassment policy. You can always try talking to the person making you feel uncomfortable directly — in some cases, they simply may not know how they’re making you feel.
However, if the attention is disrupting your studies or work, file a formal report. This is often easier said than done, as many women let unwanted attention go unreported and unaddressed due to a fear of retaliation or stirring up conflict. Seek support from your friends, family, colleagues, or your manager if you feel emotionally overwhelmed when reporting harassment.
In Social Settings
Unwanted attention in a social setting often takes the form of offensive comments, staring, and threatening behavior. If you know the harasser, you can assert yourself and tell them how their behavior makes you feel. If you don’t know them, you can either ignore them or speak up, depending on the situation.
No matter what you choose to do, it’s important to keep yourself and others safe by reporting the behavior. If you’re at a restaurant, club, or another public setting, you can notify the staff and have them help you handle the problem. In a more intimate social setting like a dinner party, you can inform the host or a close friend.
In Public
If you’re being harassed in public, pretending to ignore the offender while remaining vigilant is usually the most effective strategy. However, if the harassment takes the form of a threat or the person makes you feel physically unsafe, you should be prepared to escalate the situation and defend yourself verbally or physically.
Use Situational Awareness and Project Confidence
Situational awareness is the observation of facial expressions, body language, physical proximity, and listening to your intuition. Every situation is different, but remaining aware of your surroundings and projecting confidence everywhere you go can help you reduce your chances of being harassed.
Enroll In Safety awareness training for women
Our’ Women's Safety Awareness Program is led by safety experts and designed exclusively for women. If you want to feel more confident, assertive, and safer, enroll in our course today.
