Courtship, Harassment, and Sexual Abuse: Defining the Borders

Courtship, sexual harassment, and sexual abuse are sometimes difficult to be differentiated. Since each of these concepts is characterized by complexity and ambiguity, obstacles to their conceptualization were briefly discussed. This chapter sought to acknowledge that the borders between these behaviors are very subtle, and there is an emergent need to raise awareness on the wide spectrum of behaviors that constitute sexual violence. As we deepen into this topic, sexual consent entered the discussion to help distinguish healthy and safe sexual interactions from disruptive and dangerous ones. On a social level, there is an inherent danger of normalizing behaviors of sexual harassment and sexual abuse. Implications of sexual harassment and sexual abuse on mental health are further addressed, and suggestions for future practices are made accordingly. Ultimately, it is recommended that practitioners are fully educated on this topic, as consciousness and knowledge are essential tools for the prevention of these types of violence.