Harassment and sexual assault impact the day-to-day lives of most women in the UK.
It happens everywhere, in outside spaces, at work, in the home and online. It’s up to all of us to stop this.
Enough is enough.
WHAT IS HARASSMENT?
An unwanted touch. An unnecessary sexual comment. A look that lasts long enough to make someone uncomfortable. All of these are forms of harassment. Avoid harassing people by putting the feelings and wants of others above your own:
- You might want to say it, but does the other person need to hear it?
- You might want to touch them, but do they want to be touched?
- You’ve glanced at them, but do they look happy about it?
If the answer to any question like this is ‘no’, then keep your thoughts, your hands, and your stares to yourself. If this isn’t you, it might be your friends. Keep an eye out for harmful behaviours and challenge them when you see them. Watch, too for people in need of help, and intervene where it’s safe to do so.
Some forms of harassment aren’t just unwelcome, but illegal.
WHAT IS SEXUAL ASSAULT?
Sexual assault is sexual contact or activity inflicted on someone who does not want it. It doesn’t need to be forceful to qualify, and includes actions like flashing, sexual exploitation, and coercion. It also includes sexual assault between people in a marriage or relationship, and neither is an excuse for abusive behaviour.
STAYING SAFE IN NORTHAMPTON
Out tonight? The responsibility for sexual assault is always on the perpetrator, not the victim but partners are actively working towards keeping everybody safe on a night out.