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‘Eve-teasing’ refers to making unwanted sexual remarks or advances by men to women in a public place. It is a common form of sexual aggression that ranges from sexually suggestive remarks, and catcalls to brushing in public places and groping. And yet, hasn’t the question ever struck our mind as to why is it called ‘teasing’? 

We often use the term “eve-teasing” to talk about sexual violence without knowing that the word is rooted in sexual violence. Don’t know how? Here are the five fundamental reasons why we must stop using the word ‘Eve-Teasing’ and instead call it what it is - Sexual Harassment. 

       It is sexual harassment and not “teasing”.  

As mentioned in the introduction, the actions counted as “eve-teasing” are, in fact, sexual harassment. These actions violate women’s rights over their bodies, disrespect them, and make them feel unsafe. On the other hand, teasing is to laugh at somebody either in a friendly way or to upset them. It doesn’t necessarily violate any form of human rights. Teasing can be a part of our healthy lives, but how can passing sexual comments, being groped, and touched without our consent be healthy at all? They are indeed acts of sexual harassment and should not be normalized as “teasing”.  

     The word “Eve-Teasing” is a euphemism.  

Euphemisms are used in place of words that are considered offensive or unpleasant. The purpose is to take away the seriousness so that it sounds pleasant to hear. Sexual harassment is a serious offense. We still haven’t gotten around to talking about this topic because we find it “unpleasant”. Sexual harassment is considered taboo and has been stigmatized severely. There is a strict silence surrounding this issue. Silence is one of the reasons for the growing number of sexual harassment cases around us. This is why we use “eve-teasing” often and hesitate to call the problem by its real name - sexual harassment. The question we need to ask ourselves is - Do we need to use “eve-teasing” simply because using terms like sexual harassment and sexual assault are “unpleasant to hear” or just “too serious” or “a very big accusation”!?  

      The problem with ‘Eve’. 

 The ‘Eve’ in ‘eve-teasing’ is the first woman as per the bible. Though the bible doesn’t represent Eve as a seductive woman, nor does it blame her for tempting Adam (Bible’s first man) to become disobedient, the general interpretation of the story goes like “Eve tempted Adam to eat the forbidden apple”. Eve is remembered for her seductive, temptress nature. 

 Did you get the connection of why women are blamed for their harassment? It is often believed that “She was wearing a too-short dress to not be harassed.”, “She was far too pretty for a man to control himself.”, etc. We see how historically, victim-blaming and blaming women have been socio-culturally and religiously sanctioned. This sanction adds to the silence; it promotes the ideology of “Men will be Men.”  

       Assumes only women can be harassed 

The term “eve-teasing” assumes that only men can be potential harassers while only women can be harassed. This assumption is not only untrue, but it also excludes the existence of the queer community and the harassment that they face on an everyday basis. 

To understand this problem in-depth, let’s question who does ‘Eve’ represents? It represents only women, that too, in a very negative and stereotypical manner. The term excludes transgender folx when most of the sexual harassment that goes unnoticed is against the transgender community. They use the streets and other public places for various reasons and continue to be vulnerable to sexual violence. The cases of sexual harassment in public places increased against the LGBTQIA+ post the historical judgment of decriminalizing section 377 of the Indian Penal Code on 6th September 2018. While women are blamed for their harassment, the transgender community is blamed for their existence. Compared to heterosexual people, the queer community finds it very difficult to disclose their abuse because of the exclusion that they face due to their identity. Their access to resources is unequal. They are treated in a very demeaning manner not just by civil society but also by the state and government agencies.  

         Its effects are under-recognized. 

Sexual abusers or even us, in general, may not realize the extent to which sexual harassment might affect the person, their lives, and society in general. A victim of sexual harassment may experience restrictions in mobility, inability to attend school or work, and troubles with their family. 

The term “eve-teasing” trivializes a very serious issue that plagues our society. Sexual harassment has to be called out like it is in order to change the perception of the uninitiated. We, as a community, need to bring an end to victim-blaming and start including the marginalized sections of our society in this conversation.   

  

   

 

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