Women are constantly at risk of being sexually harassed. Sexual harassment occurs when someone makes unwanted sexual advances in a work or social setting. In this type of harassment, inappropriate contact or the exchange of sexually explicit communications can be as apparent as sexual assault. Sexual harassment, on the other hand, can take the shape of unsolicited messages or filthy statements that are not immediately obvious. All of these are instances of sexual harassment.
The majority of people, however, identify sexual harassment with the workplace. On the other hand, sexual harassment can happen everywhere. It may happen to you on the bus or at the library. Is it still possible to file a sexual harassment case against someone who catcalls you on the street?
Catcalling: What Is It?
Catcalling is harassment. Among the various types of harassment are those motivated by prejudices like:
- Homophobia
- Ableism
- Racism.
All of these types of harassment have in common the dynamic of power and control: It doesn’t matter whether the harasser knows it; harassment is a kind of power encroachment. It is for this reason catcalling is considered a kind of sexual harassment.
Predators making crude sexual comments or yelling at a victim in a public area are referred to as catcalling. Catcalling is defined as screaming, whistling, or making any other nasty statement directed at another individual. When going down the street, shopping, or taking public transportation, women are most frequently targeted.
Sexual Objectification and Catcalling
Catcalling, “harmless praises,” and “playful banter” may appear bizarre. Catcallers frequently cite this to justify their conduct, which is perplexing. Unwanted sexual attention should not make a person feel uncomfortable or unsafe on the street.
What makes sexual harassment so harmful and fatal is the motivation underlying the statements. Making derogatory remarks about a lady’s physical appearance while complimenting her is unacceptable. When people are reduced to nothing more than a collection of physical characteristics, they are objectified. As a result, people place a higher value on a person’s physical appearance than on their character or professional performance. Catcalling has a negative impact on a woman’s emotional health, as well as her legal rights. It makes women feel exposed when they are out in public.
Why Catcalling is wrong
Objectification is all too widespread, and it’s doing a lot of damage to people’s mental health. Those who are often objectified are more likely to suffer from depression, body shame, and even complicated social behaviors like self-silencing.
It’s for this reason that catcalling someone is never a compliment. Abusing someone’s breasts or legs in public is not a compliment; it’s a kind of bullying. In addition, those who fail to see the difference between praise and harassment should rethink their stance. Catcalling is not a form of flirtation. It is demeaning.
Catcalling is based on male dominance and patriarchal control systems, where as flirting is based on mutual respect and equality. Finally, while flirting is amusing and pleasant, catcalling is irritating and impolite.
Get in touch with an Attorney for Sexual Harassment
Everyone is entitled to respect and decency. When out in public, everyone has the right to feel safe and secure. In the United States, “lewd or dissolute behavior,” which includes explicit sexual remarks or gestures, is prohibited. Violations can result in a fine of up to $1,000 and a six-month jail sentence. If you need reliable legal help with a sexual harassment claim, don’t hesitate to contact The Law Offices of Usmaan Sleemi.
