sexual harassment

[Zeiad Yehia]

Just to let you all know, there is now a HUGE national campaign against sexual harrassment, since it is apparently becoming a big issue in Egypt in the recent years.

I sill refer to my previous post to explain this type of attitude, but I also believe that it needs a 'solution'.

The solution cannot be solely legal. Sexual offenders are not just victims of repression, despie the fact that it contributes, but again repression cannot stand alone as a sole factor explaining this 'evil' attitude. These people are criminals, and deserve punishment!

I have read on some Egyptian websites some opinions of people who try to put the blame on the victim!!!! I TOTALLY REFUSE this approach; a victim is a victim, and can never 'create' a crime unless someone is trying to take the 'victim' adjectie out of them and call the a 'contributor' which is totally unfair and injustified!!!

It is for the media to play its reuired role now; to enlighten these low-class people and teach them about integrity, respect, and many things that they really need to learn, and also for the authorities to learn not to bother couples in many different ways, and instead they should pay more notice to the small officials who are obliged to secure potential victims, but instead they deide to do nothing, because of many different reasons that are not preferred to mention here.

Sexual Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

* unwelcome sexual invitations or requests.

* demands for sexual favors.

* unnecessary touching or patting.

* leering at a person's body.

* unwelcome and repeated innuendos or taunting about a person's body, appearance or sexual orientation.

* suggestive remarks or other verbal abuse of a sexual nature.

* visual displays of degrading or offensive sexual images.

* threats of a sexual nature, sexual assault, and any other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Sexual harassment may occur during one incident, or a series of single incidents which in isolation would not necessarily constitute sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment may occur between individuals of the same sex or between the sexes.


Below I am posting some preventive measurements against rape and sexual harrassment, as prepared by the University of Illinois. The meaurements below are valid to use in ANY COUNTRY really, as this crime knows no boundaries:

Psychological Preparedness
---------------------------
1. Accept the fact that you are a potential rape victim.
Many women operate under the illusion "it will
never happen to me. It may.

2. Educate yourself concerning rape prevention
tactics.

3. Become familiar with community rape prevention
and counseling.

4. Become aware of locations and situations where
rape is more likely to occur and avoid them, or take
precautions.


In a Dating/Friend Situation
----------------------------
1. The majority of rapes that occur are termed
"acquaintance rapes" - the rapist and victim know
one another. Trust your feelings. If you become
uncomfortable in a situation, assertively ask the
person to leave. Don't worry about hurt feelings.

2. If possible, let a friend or roommate know who you
are with and where you will be. Leave an address
and phone number when possible.


In Your Car
-----------
1. Keep windows and doors locked.

2. If you should be followed into your driveway, stay in
your car with the doors locked. Sound horn to get
the attention of neighbors or scare the other driver
off.

3. When parking at night, select a place that will be
well-lit when returning to the car.

4. Always make sure the car is locked, and have the
keys ready when returning to the car.

5. Check interior of car before getting in.


On the Street
-------------
1. Be observant of things around you. If someone is
following you, go to the nearest house or store.

2. Walk near the curb and avoid passing close to
shrubbery, dark doorways and other places of
concealment.

3. DO NOT HITCHHIKE.

4. Avoid short cuts through parking lots and alleys.

5. Walk with a friend if at all possible. Don't walk
alone.

6. If a car approaches you and you feel threatened,
scream and run in the direction opposite of the one
the car is going.

7. When arriving home by taxi or private auto, ask the
driver to wait until you are inside.

8. Don't jog in secluded areas.

9. Know the location of the special emergency phones
campus.


In Your Home
-------------
1. The best lock cannot function if you fail to lock it.
Be sure to keep your doors locked.

2. All windows should have secure locks and frames.

3. All entrances and garages should be well-lit.

4. Never open the door after a knock. Require the
person to give their name. In the case of service
persons ask for proper I.D. and refuse entrance if
you feel uneasy.


If You Are Sexually Assaulted
------------------------------
The best resistance you can use against an attacker is
your common sense. Think! Don't panic. The most
important element to remember is that you are not trying
to fight the attacker, but are attempting to divert the
person long enough to get away. Always look for a way
to escape.

If the attacker has a weapon, use your common sense.
Fighting against it could be dangerous.
-------------------------------------------------- -
1. Stay calm. Do not do anything that may upset the
attacker.

2. Try to convince the person to put the weapon
down.

3. Talk to your attacker, show sympathy and
understanding.

4. Make the attacker see you as an individual, not as
an object.


If the attacker is unarmed, you may be able to scare,
distract or injure the person enough to make your escape.
-------------------------------------------------- -------
1. Scream "FIRE," "POLICE," or create a disturbance
that will attract attention.

2. Assert yourself and fight back if you can do so
safely.

3. Break away and run toward areas with people.

4. Be observant so that you will be able to remember
and identify the assailant.

5. Report the incident to the police as soon as possible.



Checklist for Victims of Sexual Assault
-----------------------------------------
You may want to call the Rape Crisis Line for
instructions and support.

1. Report the crime immediately to the police.

2. Do not shower, douche, or change clothing.

3. Have a medical exam and internal gynecological
exam as soon as possible. A delay in time may
destroy evidence.

a) Semen smears must be taken by a clinician.

b) Inform clinician of exact acts committed upon
you and have the clinician note any medical
evidence of them.

c) Clinician should note any bruises or injuries
bleeding, lacerations, etc.) external or internal.

d) Have clinician test for venereal diseases (and
pregnancy later, if relevant).

4. Do not disturb the scene of the assault.

5. Inform police of all details of attack, however
intimate, and of anything unusual you may have
noted about the attacker. Remember what the
person said and how it was said. It may lead to
the arrest of the assailant.

6. Show police any external bruises or injuries,
however minor, resulting from the attack.

7. Police may request your clothes for purpose of evidence.

8. Inform the police if you remember anything that
was not previously reported.


All the best,

Zeiad Yehia
Solicitor

[wemyss1960]

FT.com / World - Breakthrough as Egypt jails ?groper?

[heathrow]

Originally Posted by Zeiad Yehia

Just to let you all know, there is now a HUGE national campaign against sexual harrassment, since it is apparently becoming a big issue in Egypt in the recent years.

I sill refer to my previous post to explain this type of attitude, but I also believe that it needs a 'solution'.

The solution cannot be solely legal. Sexual offenders are not just victims of repression, despie the fact that it contributes, but again repression cannot stand alone as a sole factor explaining this 'evil' attitude. These people are criminals, and deserve punishment!

I have read on some Egyptian websites some opinions of people who try to put the blame on the victim!!!! I TOTALLY REFUSE this approach; a victim is a victim, and can never 'create' a crime unless someone is trying to take the 'victim' adjectie out of them and call the a 'contributor' which is totally unfair and injustified!!!


It is for the media to play its reuired role now; to enlighten these low-class people and teach them about integrity, respect, and many things that they really need to learn, and also for the authorities to learn not to bother couples in many different ways, and instead they should pay more notice to the small officials who are obliged to secure potential victims, but instead they deide to do nothing, because of many different reasons that are not preferred to mention here.

Sexual Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

* unwelcome sexual invitations or requests.

* demands for sexual favors.

* unnecessary touching or patting.

* leering at a person's body.

* unwelcome and repeated innuendos or taunting about a person's body, appearance or sexual orientation.

* suggestive remarks or other verbal abuse of a sexual nature.

* visual displays of degrading or offensive sexual images.

* threats of a sexual nature, sexual assault, and any other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Sexual harassment may occur during one incident, or a series of single incidents which in isolation would not necessarily constitute sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment may occur between individuals of the same sex or between the sexes.


Below I am posting some preventive measurements against rape and sexual harrassment, as prepared by the University of Illinois. The meaurements below are valid to use in ANY COUNTRY really, as this crime knows no boundaries:

Psychological Preparedness
---------------------------
1. Accept the fact that you are a potential rape victim.
Many women operate under the illusion "it will
never happen to me. It may.

2. Educate yourself concerning rape prevention
tactics.

3. Become familiar with community rape prevention
and counseling.

4. Become aware of locations and situations where
rape is more likely to occur and avoid them, or take
precautions.


In a Dating/Friend Situation
----------------------------
1. The majority of rapes that occur are termed
"acquaintance rapes" - the rapist and victim know
one another. Trust your feelings. If you become
uncomfortable in a situation, assertively ask the
person to leave. Don't worry about hurt feelings.

2. If possible, let a friend or roommate know who you
are with and where you will be. Leave an address
and phone number when possible.


In Your Car
-----------
1. Keep windows and doors locked.

2. If you should be followed into your driveway, stay in
your car with the doors locked. Sound horn to get
the attention of neighbors or scare the other driver
off.

3. When parking at night, select a place that will be
well-lit when returning to the car.

4. Always make sure the car is locked, and have the
keys ready when returning to the car.

5. Check interior of car before getting in.


On the Street
-------------
1. Be observant of things around you. If someone is
following you, go to the nearest house or store.

2. Walk near the curb and avoid passing close to
shrubbery, dark doorways and other places of
concealment.

3. DO NOT HITCHHIKE.

4. Avoid short cuts through parking lots and alleys.

5. Walk with a friend if at all possible. Don't walk
alone.

6. If a car approaches you and you feel threatened,
scream and run in the direction opposite of the one
the car is going.

7. When arriving home by taxi or private auto, ask the
driver to wait until you are inside.

8. Don't jog in secluded areas.

9. Know the location of the special emergency phones
campus.


In Your Home
-------------
1. The best lock cannot function if you fail to lock it.
Be sure to keep your doors locked.

2. All windows should have secure locks and frames.

3. All entrances and garages should be well-lit.

4. Never open the door after a knock. Require the
person to give their name. In the case of service
persons ask for proper I.D. and refuse entrance if
you feel uneasy.


If You Are Sexually Assaulted
------------------------------
The best resistance you can use against an attacker is
your common sense. Think! Don't panic. The most
important element to remember is that you are not trying
to fight the attacker, but are attempting to divert the
person long enough to get away. Always look for a way
to escape.

If the attacker has a weapon, use your common sense.
Fighting against it could be dangerous.
-------------------------------------------------- -
1. Stay calm. Do not do anything that may upset the
attacker.

2. Try to convince the person to put the weapon
down.

3. Talk to your attacker, show sympathy and
understanding.

4. Make the attacker see you as an individual, not as
an object.


If the attacker is unarmed, you may be able to scare,
distract or injure the person enough to make your escape.
-------------------------------------------------- -------
1. Scream "FIRE," "POLICE," or create a disturbance
that will attract attention.

2. Assert yourself and fight back if you can do so
safely.

3. Break away and run toward areas with people.

4. Be observant so that you will be able to remember
and identify the assailant.

5. Report the incident to the police as soon as possible.



Checklist for Victims of Sexual Assault
-----------------------------------------
You may want to call the Rape Crisis Line for
instructions and support.

1. Report the crime immediately to the police.

2. Do not shower, douche, or change clothing.

3. Have a medical exam and internal gynecological
exam as soon as possible. A delay in time may
destroy evidence.

a) Semen smears must be taken by a clinician.

b) Inform clinician of exact acts committed upon
you and have the clinician note any medical
evidence of them.

c) Clinician should note any bruises or injuries
bleeding, lacerations, etc.) external or internal.

d) Have clinician test for venereal diseases (and
pregnancy later, if relevant).

4. Do not disturb the scene of the assault.

5. Inform police of all details of attack, however
intimate, and of anything unusual you may have
noted about the attacker. Remember what the
person said and how it was said. It may lead to
the arrest of the assailant.

6. Show police any external bruises or injuries,
however minor, resulting from the attack.

7. Police may request your clothes for purpose of evidence.

8. Inform the police if you remember anything that
was not previously reported.


All the best,

Zeiad Yehia
Solicitor

Hello Zeiad
Your information will help many and I think its so nice of you to have taken the time to post the above. I was not a victim of rape but I had two very serious incidents were in both incidents I was not over friendly to the offender, I dressed very respectively but thankfully with a bit of sharpness and intuition to get myself out of the situation I escaped with my dignity intact but it has made me very cautious. I have to add that Egypt is very safe and do not want tourists to be put off, but a telephone number would be really handy if us girls get in a difficult situation as my incidents took place in shops a place where you least expect it.
Regards
Lisa at Heathrow

[Zeiad Yehia]

Originally Posted by heathrow

Hello Zeiad
Your information will help many and I think its so nice of you to have taken the time to post the above. I was not a victim of rape but I had two very serious incidents were in both incidents I was not over friendly to the offender, I dressed very respectively but thankfully with a bit of sharpness and intuition to get myself out of the situation I escaped with my dignity intact but it has made me very cautious. I have to add that Egypt is very safe and do not want tourists to be put off, but a telephone number would be really handy if us girls get in a difficult situation as my incidents took place in shops a place where you least expect it.
Regards
Lisa at Heathrow

Lisa whenever you feel in a serious situation call 112 immediately. This is the emerency police number in Egypt.

In the event you, or anyone else, found yourselves in a critical situation of any kind, you can text me "not call because I probably won't answer" on +20 12 3344988 and I will know what to do with the police even if you were in a different city.

I know this is a serious forum, so I am totally not expecting any jokers to send false S.O.S messages because this would be an extremely silly joke that I won't be welcoming at all, especially with the police involved.

I think, anyway, I can be more helpful over such a situation than the emergency number, firstly because of the language barrier, and secondly because I know exactly how to make the police feel the urge to move NOW.

Yes I have done this once before. My Norwegian client was sexually assaulted in an empty area then "now it's developed" by a worker. I called the police and said my selected words, and I was there before they reached anyway.

Fortunately she was so sportive, so she succeeded to defend herself, and she was smart enough to shout and scream very loudly, which freaked the creep away.

I know this is not the best 'legal' advice, but I prefer that every girl "anywhere in the world" carry pepper spray on her to deter potential offenders, because it is noticeable that sexual assault is becoming an increasing crime in a very disgusting way.

All the best,

Zeiad Yehia
Solicitor

[Zeiad Yehia]

Originally Posted by wemyss1960

FT.com / World - Breakthrough as Egypt jails ?groper?

This was a very, very pleasant verdict. The whole society was happy to know that this #$*&bag was sentenced.

Repression and superficial religious attitudes are doing miracles "in a negative way" to the poor portions of this society, and if ethics cannot deter them, then yes for the law to deter them!

The coming age in Egypt "concerning sexual assault" is the age of law I think, because the whole society is now campaigning against sexual harrassment.

I've been a member of Amnesty International's campaign "Stop Violence Against Women" since 2002, and I wrote many letters explaining the attitude of ignorant Egyptians against Egyptian and foreigner females. I knew this was not gonna do a lot, but I did my best at least.

The thing is that I was raised by a woman; my mother, and another woman; my grand mother. Without these two women I would've been no one. All my respect to respectable and loving women who can be much better than some men, and all my hatred and dispise to sexual offenders.

Sexual crimes, by the way, are NOT about sex. They're more about power and violence. Sexual offenders obtain pleasure from humiliating the victim.

In Egypt it can be slightly different though, because in a big part of it repression plays a key role in this crime. But again nothing at all can justify violence and being a CREEP!!!


All the best,

Zeiad Yehia
Solicitor

[wayne_harris]

Hi Zeiad,
Thank you so much for taking the time to look into this and post the emergency phone number, it is very good to know and has made me feel more relaxed to know that we can get help straight away if needed. Thank you.
Kind Regards

Dawn

[lyndsay552]

Thanks Zeiad for the number. I will save it in my phone but hopefully I will never need to use it.

Lyndsay

[johnwayne]

Originally Posted by Zeiad Yehia

Lisa whenever you feel in a serious situation call 112 immediately. This is the emerency police number in Egypt.

In the event you, or anyone else, found yourselves in a critical situation of any kind, you can text me "not call because I probably won't answer" on +20 12 3344988 and I will know what to do with the police even if you were in a different city.

I know this is a serious forum, so I am totally not expecting any jokers to send false S.O.S messages because this would be an extremely silly joke that I won't be welcoming at all, especially with the police involved.

I think, anyway, I can be more helpful over such a situation than the emergency number, firstly because of the language barrier, and secondly because I know exactly how to make the police feel the urge to move NOW.

Yes I have done this once before. My Norwegian client was sexually assaulted in an empty area then "now it's developed" by a worker. I called the police and said my selected words, and I was there before they reached anyway.

Fortunately she was so sportive, so she succeeded to defend herself, and she was smart enough to shout and scream very loudly, which freaked the creep away.

I know this is not the best 'legal' advice, but I prefer that every girl "anywhere in the world" carry pepper spray on her to deter potential offenders, because it is noticeable that sexual assault is becoming an increasing crime in a very disgusting way.

All the best,

Zeiad Yehia
Solicitor

when reading this response from Zeiad - I felt that I had to say a profound thank you to him. Many of us don't know Zeiad, and he us - so for someone to come out and give their number and help, for this sort of incident has been quite 'moving' . what an excellent chap!

[wellheld]

Thanks for the info,much appreciated, and I'm pleased that the issue is recognised, I have put in my mobile and will pass it on. Helen

[iain]

I know this is a serious matter being discussed and I also thank Zeiad for his help - (But If I dare be a little bit flippant for a moment I can't help thinking that these problems may dissapear when John Wayne is in town !)