Most women receive a compliment from a stranger, but when does the courtship become harassment? A whistle, words or obscene gestures, touching, rubbing deliberately, exhibitionism, staring intimate body parts or persecution are the most common types of harassment.
It is a common problem. According to Actualidades, the latest survey carried out by the School of Statistics at the University of Costa Rica (UCR), 6 out of 10 women have experienced sexual harassment in public spaces such as streets , parks, buses, taxis, stadiums and shopping centers. Women are victims of this violence regardless their age.
Due to this alarming figure, the National Institute for Women (INAMU) with the support of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT), the Department of Protection of Citizens’ Rights and non-governmental organization Peras Olmo, launched the campaign: “We act against sexual harassment.”
It aims to promote safer places for women. In addition, we are working along with UNAFUT to raise awareness about sexism and we are also promoting a code of ethics so football stadiums become the safe and family places they were before,
explained Alejandra Mora Mora, Minister for the Status of Women and Executive Secretary of INAMU.
The initiative intends to clearly explain what sexual harassment in public spaces is, places to denounce and institutions that protect victims’ physical, psychological and sexual integrity.