Assédio

Assédio (Portuguese for "Harassment") refers to a range of behaviors of an offensive nature. While the specific legal definition and cultural understanding vary by country and context (e.g., workplace, school, family), assédio generally encompasses actions that unwanted, unwelcome, and create a hostile or intimidating environment for the recipient. It can manifest in various forms, including:

• Assédio Moral: This specifically refers to psychological harassment, often in the workplace. It involves repeated and systematic abusive conduct that damages a person's dignity, psychological or physical integrity, or endangers their employment or degrades the work environment. Examples include constant criticism, public humiliation, social isolation, spreading rumors, excessive workload, denial of necessary resources, and repeated threats. This form is often more subtle and insidious than other forms of harassment.

• Assédio Sexual: Sexual harassment, involving unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. This can include quid pro quo harassment (where employment benefits are tied to sexual favors) or the creation of a hostile work environment based on offensive sexual remarks, gestures, or displays.

• Assédio Virtual/Cyber Assédio: Harassment conducted through electronic means, such as email, social media, or text messaging. This can include sending offensive or threatening messages, spreading rumors online, or posting embarrassing photos or videos.

• Assédio Eleitoral: (Electoral Harassment) Behavior intended to intimidate or unduly influence voters or candidates during an election.

The legal and social consequences of assédio can be significant, ranging from disciplinary action and termination of employment to civil lawsuits and criminal charges. Victims of assédio often suffer emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and physical health problems.

It's important to note that the perception of what constitutes assédio is subjective to some degree, and what one person finds offensive another may not. However, the key factor is whether the conduct is unwelcome and creates a hostile or intimidating environment for the recipient. Laws and policies regarding assédio aim to protect individuals from unwanted and offensive behavior and to promote respectful and equitable treatment in all areas of life.

The term assédio is widely used in Brazil, Portugal, and other Portuguese-speaking countries.