In an unstoppable movement towards gender equality, women have raised their voices to share experiences that, for too long, have remained silent. Among these experiences, street harassment stands out as a persistent reality that affects women around the world. It is important to understand not only its legal implications, but also the deep psychological scars it leaves on those who suffer from it. Let's explore street harassment from various perspectives, from the laws that seek to eliminate it to the psychological revelations shared by Chilean psychologist Ignacia Rebolledo.
Legal framework
Since 2019, Chile has taken significant steps to address street harassment with the enactment of Law 21,153. This legislation defines sexual harassment as any act of sexual significance capable of causing an objectively intimidating, hostile or humiliating situation in public places. Verbal or gestural acts carry fines, while behaviors such as unwanted approaches or pursuit or exhibitionism can result in prison.
Psychological Perspective
In a quest to fully understand the psychological repercussions of street harassment, we immerse ourselves in a conversation with psychologist Ignacia Rebolledo. According to their observations, street harassment can leave a profound impact on self-esteem, confidence and generate a disturbing feeling of insecurity. Victims, as Ignacia reveals, can experience transformations in their daily routine, from avoiding certain items of clothing to dealing with post-traumatic stress. In this context, therapy and social support become crucial elements to overcome the fear and anxiety that can accompany people who suffer these experiences.
Tips on how to deal with street harassment
Share your location
Ignacia not only explores the emotional consequences of street harassment; It also highlights the importance of protecting yourself at critical moments. "Having someone know your location is essential because you never know how far a situation like this can escalate," he emphasizes, emphasizing the usefulness of security devices like ALARA for this purpose. In addition, it mentions that it can be useful to call someone close to you during street harassment and have a conversation to improve the insecurity situation.
Access psychological treatments
The advice that Ignacia highlights most is the importance of having support and access to treatments. "The first thing I recommend is, without a doubt, starting a therapeutic process," he emphasizes. Therapy is presented as a safe space where affected people can share, express themselves and find ways to heal.
Surround yourself with a support network
Furthermore, based on her valuable experience, the psychologist advises surrounding yourself with people you trust and looking for spaces of support. Also, it emphasizes the need to practice self-care, doing activities that promote happiness and well-being. These tips, supported by her studies and conversations with people affected by street harassment, emphasize the importance of addressing not only the legal, but also the emotional aspects of this social problem.
Overcoming street harassment implies a cultural and educational change. It is important to reeducate society, with special emphasis on education aimed at men. The visibility of these problems, education from home and prevention campaigns are presented as crucial elements for the creation of safer environments, aspiring to build a world where all women feel safe and respected in their daily lives.