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SEXUAL
HARASSMENT AT WORK
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WHAT
IS SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Sexual harassment is a very serious issue. It can include:
someone making degrading, abusive remarks or gestures; being leered
or stared at; being subjected to sexual jokes and sexual propositions;
having to listen to comments about personal sexual activity or sexual
preference; and, experiencing unwanted touching and bodily contact.
Although sexual harassment happens everywhere, it is very
common at a woman's place of work, which can make it especially
distressing and difficult to deal with. This leaflet takes a look
at steps you can take and some general advice if you, or someone
you know, is being sexually harassed at work.
Sexual harassment causes a great deal of stress and hostility
in the work place, and over a length of time it can lead to physical
and emotional problems. For example: headaches; nausea; cystitis;
depression; anxiety; sleeping problems; nightmares; eating problems;
loss of self-confidence, self-esteem and/or self- worth.
It is important for you to remember that it is not your
fault and it is understandable that you do not like what is happening.
The harasser is to blame and is abusing their position of trust
and power. Often you may not be the only one they are harassing.
It is important that you speak to someone who will take
your feelings seriously. Sexual harassment can be a very upsetting
experience and many women, when they object, are told by their harasser
that they lack a sense of humour, or "it's only a bit of fun". Rather
than putting up with the situation or reporting the harassment,
it is a fact that many women leave their job and look for work elsewhere.
However, with some support and information, there are things you
can do.
WHAT
CAN I DO?
1. Tell the harasser to stop. Let them know you dislike
their behaviour. You could ask another work colleague to do this
on your behalf. You can let them know in writing that their behaviour
is unreasonable (keep a copy of the letter if you do this).
2. If you want to confront the harasser take someone with
you e.g. a union representative, or a senior member of staff.
3. Confide in someone at work you can trust. You may find
out someone else is, or has been, harassed by the same person.
4. Keep a note of dates and times of each incident, and
details of what happened and what was said.
5. Report the harassment to someone in authority - this
can be important, even if no action is taken against the harasser,
in case you ever want to take legal action for injury to feelings.
6. If there is no one at work you can approach, you can
contact the Citizen's Advice Bureau, Equal Opportunities Commission,
a Law Centre or this centre for information and support.
7. If the harasser touches you on an intimate part of your body
you can report them to the police for indecent assault.
Most organisations and companies have proper procedures for dealing
with complaints. If your employer reacts badly and you are sacked,
this could be "unfair dismissal''. If you have to leave because
nothing is done about the harassment, this could be "constructive
dismissal". In both situations, you can take the case to an industrial
tribunal.
No one should have to put up with unwanted advances at work.
You can get help to deal with it.
Equal Opportunities Unit (01382) 431 513
Citizens' Advice Bureau (01382) 227 171
Samaritans (08457) 909 090
Genito-Urinary Clinic (01382) 425 542
Police (Family Protection Unit) (01382) 665 117
