Verbal, non-verbal, physical, cyber and workplace: Defining sexual harassment and where to get help

• A report from Statistics South Africa shows that in the last quarter of 2022, sexual offences increased by 9,6%.

• These statistics show that South Africans are grappling with a pervasive rape culture.

• The MTV Staying Alive Foundation defines the various forms of sexual harassment and lists organisations that can help. 

As millennials get older, they tend to look back on times gone by with nostalgia. There is also a belief that things were better for them when they were younger than the life that young people live now. 

One of the areas in which millennial nostalgia thrives is television, namely through the belief that programming was more entertaining and socially aware when they were younger. They praise shows like Soul Buddyz, Soul City and Intersexions for being ahead of their time and impacting the young and impressionable audiences of the time. People in that category insist that their sexual and social behaviour is still informed by what they saw on these shows, and they believe that younger, television-viewing audiences do not have access to this type of entertainment.  

This belief is wrong, however, as the MTV Staying Alive Foundation presents relatable topics that depict the experiences of young people dealing with various challenges with MTV Shuga Down South. The show has returned with a third season depicting more captivating and enlightening storylines. On the back of one of these storylines, the MTV Staying Alive Foundation has defined multiple forms of sexual harassment people may face and shared resources that might be able to help. 

The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Tulane University have independently evaluated the series, created by the MTV Staying Alive Foundation. Their campaigns - including the multi-award-winning drama series - have been proven to show an uptake in preventative measures against HIV among viewers of MTV Shuga in South Africa. The show has also shifted attitudes and behaviours related to sexual health, contraceptive use, and sexual violence among viewers in Nigeria.

Sexual harassment defined

Sexual harassment is unwelcomed and inappropriate behaviour of a sexual nature and comes in various forms, which may include the following: verbal, non-verbal, physical, cyber and workplace harassment.  A report from Statistics South Africa shows that in the last quarter of 2022, sexual offences increased by 9,6%, highlighting a pervasive rape culture that South Africans are grappling with.

Here are 5 types of sexual harassment defined by the MTV Staying Alive Foundation.

1. Verbal sexual harassment

Verbal sexual harassment refers to unwanted comments, innuendos or behaviour of a sexual nature that creates hostility, intimidates, or is offensive to the person experiencing it. It involves using language that is sexually explicit, demeaning, or inappropriate, making explicit or sexually suggestive remarks, jokes, catcalling, street harassment or innuendos about a person's body or appearance, and using derogatory terms and slurs. This includes using language of a sexual nature to demean or belittle someone based on their sex or gender.

2. Non-verbal sexual harassment

Non-verbal sexual harassment refers to unwanted sexual behaviour or advances that are communicated without the use of words or explicit verbal language. It involves using non-verbal cues, gestures, or actions that convey a sexual nature or create a hostile or uncomfortable environment for the recipient. This includes sexually suggestive gestures such as winking, leering, or using facial expressions that are sexually suggestive, offensive, or invading someone's personal space without consent. This can also include standing too close or brushing against them in a way that feels intrusive or sexual.

READ MORE | Are you being sexually harassed at work? Lawyers explain what determines 'unwelcome conduct'

3. Physical sexual harassment

Physical sexual harassment refers to unwelcomed physical contact or advances of a sexual nature that violate a person's boundaries and rights. It involves using physical force, gestures, or actions to engage in sexual conduct without the individual's consent. This includes unwanted touching, groping, cornering, or blocking someone's path, exposing one's genitals, engaging in indecent exposure in front of another person without consent, and or forcible sexual contact or penetration without consent.

4. Cyber/online sexual harassment

Cyber sexual harassment refers to the use of digital communication platforms and technology such as social media or messaging apps to engage in unwanted and sexually inappropriate behaviour towards people. This includes sending explicit messages, sharing intimate photos without consent, revenge porn, online stalking, harassment, creating fake online profiles, impersonating someone else to deceive or manipulate, and engaging in sexually inappropriate conversations or actions with unsuspecting people. 

5. Workplace sexual harassment

Workplace sexual harassment occurs when people experience inappropriate sexual advances, comments, or actions in their professional environment. This includes quid pro quo harassment: imposing unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, or other verbal and physical conduct as a condition for employment benefits, promotions, job security, or other favourable treatment. It also includes creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment through pervasive or severe sexual comments, jokes, gestures, or other sexual conduct that interferes with an individual's work performance and creates an uncomfortable atmosphere.

Sexual and physical harassment seriously violates a person's rights and can cause significant physical, emotional, and psychological harm. Victims may experience considerable emotional distress, fear, anxiety, decreased work performance, and negative impacts on their mental health. It is vital that if anyone has experienced any form of harassment, they seek help and support.

READ MORE | Sexual harassment in the workplace explained - know your rights

This information was provided on behalf of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation by Vuma Reputation Management.