The act of harassing, bothering, or causing harm to someone, especially unwanted sexual contact.
From Latin 'molestare' (to disturb, trouble), related to 'molestus' (troublesome, annoying). The root may connect to 'moles' (mass, burden), suggesting something weighing you down.
Originally this word just meant any kind of annoying disruption, but over time its meaning narrowed to specifically describe serious harassment and abuse—a linguistic shift reflecting how society became more serious about protecting people from harm.
Historically underreported when perpetrated by women; victims and survivors across gender are often questioned about credibility, but women face unique barriers in reporting same-sex assault and male-perpetrated abuse due to gendered power dynamics and victim-blaming.
Use without gendered assumptions about victims or perpetrators; recognize all genders experience this harm and all genders perpetrate it, though gendered power structures affect reporting and prosecution.
Survivor advocacy and trauma-informed practice credit women's leadership in naming assault, particularly in #MeToo and institutional reform.
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