How to Stop Eve Teasing

Introduction

Eve teasing[1] is a significant problem that women across the world face. It is a form of sexual harassment that includes unwelcome sexual advances, comments, or actions. It can range from catcalling and wolf-whistling to groping and stalking.Eve teasing is a severe issue; the most important thing to understand is that it is never the victim’s fault. No matter how much society tries to pin the disgusting act of eve-teasing on the victim, the masses should reject such a disastrous notion. One of the most common questions many ask is: How do I avoid eve-teasing? This blog post sheds light on how society can tackle this social evil.

What is eve teasing?

Eve teasing[2] is a term used to refer to the public sexual harassment of women. It can take many forms ranging from catcalling and wolf-whistling to groping and assault. Eve teasing is a severe problem in India and the rest of the world. Even though eveteasing is a criminal offence, it is still widespread in India. Many women suffer from eve teasing daily, which can be a very frightening and upsetting experience.

Why does eve teasing happen?

It is a phenomenon shaped by social norms and economic factors that interact to create an environment conducive to such behaviour. Eve teasing is often seen as a way to assert power over women by men with deep-rooted patriarchal beliefs.Several factors contribute to this, including traditional gender roles that place women in subordinate positions, a lack of awareness about what constitutes sexual harassment, and a general tolerance for this type of behaviour. Eve teasing is also often seen as a way for men to assert their power over women, and it is also a way to humiliate and embarrass women in public by misogynists.It can result from cultural factors such as the objectification of women in the media. It can also result from economic factors such as poverty or lack of education. Additionally, it can result from social factors such as peer pressure or gender norms.

How to avoid eve-teasing

While everyone tells women what to do to avoid eve-teasing, we should focus on how we can prevent it from happening in the first place. There are a few things we can do to try and avoid eve teasing:

1) Education: We often underestimate the power of education in eradicating a social evil like eve-teasing. Education helps people differentiate right from wrong and grants exposure, which in turn helps develop personality in men. A well-educated man is less likely to disrespect women and engage in any activity that would cause mental trauma to women in society.
2) Awareness: Awareness is another essential tool in the fight against eve-teasing. Schools, colleges, other educational institutions, NGOs, and other social organisations must make it a point to spread awareness campaigns, especially among the younger population.

Here are some steps women can follow to make sure they stay safe at all times:

1) Be aware of your surroundings and who is around you. If you see someone who makes you uncomfortable, try to move away from them or put some distance between you and them.
2) Don’t be afraid to stand up to bullies. Always remember you are the victim, and they are the aggressor. You don’t need to feel guilty about standing up to injustice.
3) Trust your instincts. If something isn’t right, it probably isn’t right.

What to do if you are a victim of eve-teasing

If you are a victim of eve teasing,[3] it can be tough to muster the courage to speak up for yourself. Here are a few tips on what to do if you are a victim of eve-teasing.

• Speak up and react: As stressful as it might be, you do not want to let the harasser go free without facing the consequences of their actions. People are often more than happy to help victims of such situations in public places. Raise the alarm as soon as you feel something is wrong.
• Call the authorities: Taking legal proceedings against such miscreants is essential. Call the police and file an official complaint. Let the legal system deal with the problem.
• Seek help: One of the most important steps toward recovery from eve teasing is seeking help. Trauma, if left unaddressed, can cause long-term damage to the victims. Meeting a therapist or counsellor is highly recommended after going through something as stressful as eve-teasing.

It is essential to understand that there are legal provisions to protect the victims. Laws against eve teasing vary from country to country. In some countries, such as India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, eve teasing is punishable by law. In other countries, like the United States, there is no specific law against eve-teasing, but various laws against sexual harassment may be applied in some instances.In India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, eve teasing is mentioned explicitly in the penal code and can be punishable by fines and imprisonment. For example, in India, the maximum punishment for eve teasing is one year in jail and a fine of Rs. 2000/- (about US$30). In Bangladesh, the penalties for eve-teasing range from 3 months to 2 years in jail and a fine of Tk 5000-10,000 (about US$70-130). And in Sri Lanka, offenders can be imprisoned for up to 6 months and fined Rs.5000 (about US$35).

To wrap things up

Eve teasing against minors is also a rampant problem in many countries. Eve teasing can severely impact its victims, causing them to feel scared, humiliated and alone. There are several ways that parents can support their children if they are being subjected to eve-teasing. Firstly, it is essential to talk to your child about what is happening and let them know that they are not alone.

You can help your child to build their confidence and self-esteem by supporting them in their everyday lives. If you or someone you know has been a victim of eve teasing, you can talk to the best mental health experts at United We Care. Our trained professionals will make sure you get the best support and guide you through your road to recovery. Contact us today!

References

1. Researchgate.net. [Online]. Available: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drekta-Sharma/publication/263572638_Interpersonal_Needs_of_Management_StudentsFacilitator_in_the_Choice_of_Electives/links/0deec53b4200fd0949000000/Interpersonal-Needs-of-Management-StudentsFacilitator-in-the-Choice-of-Electives.pdf#page=102. [Accessed: 06-Mar-2023].
2. D. Misri, “Eve-Teasing,” South Asia, vol. 40, no. 2, pp. 305–307, 2017.
3. Researchgate.net. [Online]. Available: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Umesh-Gadekar/publication/304704494_EVE_TEASING_AND_ITS_PSYCHOSOCIAL_INFLUENCE_AMONG_THE_ADOLESCENT_GIRLS/links/577794ff08aead7ba07457dd/EVE-TEASING-AND-ITS-PSYCHOSOCIAL-INFLUENCE-AMONG-THE-ADOLESCENT-GIRLS.pdf. [Accessed: 06-Mar-2023].