Sexual harassment is an unwanted sexual behavior which can be intended to either women and man. Either way, sexual harassment is a serious matter and will not be tolerated by UM. These sexual behaviors can be directed to the victims through words, body language, gestures and physical movement, which may occur repetitively that affects the victims both emotionally and physically.
Sexual harassment can be categorised in:
SEXUAL COERCION
This happens when one abuses his/her power in return for sexual favors. This can be seen in situations such as students getting pressured to do sexual activities for a better grade. This category of sexual harassment might result to serious consequences such as the students’ continuance in studies.
SEXUAL ANNOYANCE
This happens when one gives out unwelcomed sexually related behavior that is disrespectful, intimidating or hostile to the victims. This can be seen in situations where the victim gets catcalled, when the victims are getting date invitations repeatedly or when victims are being stalked. This category of sexual harassment does not affect the victims in terms of suspension of study but might creates an offensive or uncomfortable surrounding to the victims making it harder for them to proceed with their works.
Types of sexual harassment
There are different form of sexual harassment, however so it is best to keep in mind that the keyword is unwanted act. Sexual harassment may include but not limited to the following acts:
verbal
Memberi komen tentang bentuk badan, fizikal atau pakaian seseorang secara seksual.
Meminta atau mencadangkan kegiatan seksual
Mengejek dalam konteks seksual atau bersiul siul untuk mendapatkan perhatian seseorang
Membuat jenaka berunsurkan perkara lucah seperti jenaka rogol dan sebagainya
Memaksa atau tidak berhenti mengajak seseorang untuk keluar berdua-duaan walaupun telah ditolak beberapa kali
Membuat ancaman kepada seseorang bagi mendapatkan layanan seksual
non-verbal
Making sexual comments about a person’s physical or clothing
Requesting or suggesting sexual activities
Cat calling
Making sexual jokes such as rape jokes
Pressuring someone to go out for a date even after several rejection
Threatening someone for sexual favors
visually
Giving undesired letters, texts or video calling, or sexually explicit items
Flashing someone
physically
Intentionally touching someone’s body part without consent
Cornering someone or leaning over them
Patting head, stroking or playing with someone’s hair, hugging or kissing
Giving neck or shoulder massages that is undesirable
PSYCHOLOGICALLY
Repeatedly giving out unwanted social invitations making one feel pressured to participate
Suggesting or begging continuously for date or sexual related activities
Any sexual harassment acts that makes one feel mentally scared such as threatening to do something in return for sexual activities
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is one of the sexual offences that is prohibited in the criminal law. Some forms of sexual assaults are threatening or attempting to touch one’s private parts, attempting to rape or rape someone, or taking one clothes off without reasonable excuse. There are many other forms of sexual assault and it is not limited to what is mentioned only.
UM Policy
Sexual harassment is a wrongdoing that is not tolerable in UM whether it is amongst the students, between the staffs and students or between any members of the university.
UM is dedicated in providing a safe and supportive environment for learning and growth of all UM students that is free from sexual harassment. Assuring all members of UM is in sexual harassment- free zone is everyone’s responsibility.
Sexual harassment is a wrongful act which is considered serious and can be punished with the appropriate penalty
All Heads of PTj are required to take appropriate steps towards increasing the understanding of sexual harassment through awareness and educational programmes.
Complaints of sexual harassment will be handled in a private and confidential manner. Any form of inappropriate action against a UM member who exercises his or her rights to lodge a complaint is prohibited and may be penalized.
What can you do if you feel that you have been sexually harassed:
If you feel that you have been harassed, do not ignore it and do not feel guilty. People often choose to remain silent in the face of offensive sexual behaviour for fear of retribution by their harasser. This will inevitably make the problem worse.
Confront the harasser. Tell the harasser to immediately stop their conduct and antics. Dare to speak up so that the harasser would put a stop to the harassment. Be clear and specific about the behavior that is making you uncomfortable.
Seek support and confide immediately with friends, colleagues, or any trusted person so that you would not feel that you are going through this all by yourself.
Details that you should take note of before/during/after the incident:
1. Date of harassment 2. Time of harassment 3. Exact location of harassment
Physical location
Online
4. The identity of the harasser 5. The harasser’s behaviour
What exactly happened during the incident, what did the harasser do to you?
Was it a recurring incident? and if so exactly how many times and since when did it start
Were there any other victims other than yourself who were involved in this incident?
Were there any witnesses who witnessed the behaviour
6. Keep copies or take screenshots of any relevant emails, texts, photos, videos, or social media posts. 7. Tell a trusted friend, family member or lecturer what happened and write down the details of those conversations. Not only can they provide support, but they may also be able to provide corroborating statements should you need them. 8. Store all documentation in a safe place and make sure it is backed up.
