REGULAR RANTS

Once upon a time sexual harassment was practically confined to verbal harassment and physical harassment, especially in the office and sometimes via mail.  The usual perpetrators tended to be spurned suitors or unhappy ex-spouses.  With the introduction of phone and internet, harassment graduated to incessant online and phone call harassment.  Now comes a new form: sexual harassment via sms or texting.  Aptly called textual harassment, it is just as disturbing as the other forms, and just as irritating.  Online or phone call harassment can be easily dealt with: just delete email or online messages from known stalkers.  Phone harassment is easily dealt with by hanging up the phone.

Text messages?  Not so easy. The recipient usually has to access the text message before it can be erased, and this opens the recipient to an instant unwelcome message full of sexual innuendoes or obvious sexual suggestions.  To add insult to injury, the recipient of this message often has to end up paying for each message received unless the calling plans subscribed to includes unlimited texting.  To be on the receiving end of such messages tends to cause the recipient a lot of sleepness nights and anxiety and even paranoia.

Experts say that using a device emboldens callers as this gives an impression of anonymity, even though calls can be traced.

Websites exist that provide comfort and counselling to victims of textual assault. One of them is sponsored by the Family Violence Prevention Fund, Ad Council and Office of Violence Against Women.  The site is  http://www.thatsnotcool.com if you feel you are a victim.