How to Effectively Handle Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Make A Stand: How to handle sexual harassment in the workplace

ashley

16 Oct 2017

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Inform your superiors
There are laws in place to protect women in the workplace, which your employers are undoubtedly aware of. As such, clueing them in on the situation could no doubt work in your favour. As uncomfortable as it may be, keeping these encounters under wraps won't help you or anyone out.
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Establish what’s appropriate to you
It would be wise to establish a fine line of what is appropriate behaviour to you in the office. Don't be ashamed to make your sentiments known when you feel uncomfortable or distressed by a colleague. Even a seemingly harmless pat on the shoulder should not be taken lightly if you are not comfortable with it.
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Confront the perpetrator
Certain instances of sexual harassment that you encounter may not immediately register as an obvious one. If you experienced something that made you comfortable - whether it was an inappropriate sexual remark or physical contact that was unnecessarily long or inappropriate - confront your colleague and let them now that their actions were not acceptable.
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Gather evidence
Write it down, take pictures or even record audio notes of these transgressions. When confronting the attacker or even when bringing it up with your boss, any documentation will definitely help your case.
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Confide in someone you trust
Bottling up your emotions isn't healthy. Talk it out with your family and friends. Releasing all that pent up frustration would undoubtedly prove to be therapeutic and relieving. Being the victim of sexual assault is no small burden to bear, as such, it would be wise to practice self-care in such troubling and stressful times.
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Have faith in yourself
It can be hard to remain firm and strong on the inside amidst a toxic work environment. Don't forget to trust and believe in yourself. Being a victim of workplace harassment can batter anyone's confidence. As such, make sure to remain calm and unflappable in the office. Getting flustered will only give your offending coworker leverage over you.
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Consider legal action if harassment persists
We understand that going to court isn't high on anyone's list, but pursuing legal action may just be the way to go in countering workplace assault. Aggressive coworkers sometimes just do not take the hint. If the sexual harassment still persists despite you confronting the perpetrator, making a legal case out of it can put a stop to further unwanted advances. Additionally, this would also help other women in the workplace as well!

Tip #1: Do not stay silent.

In light of the recent Harvey Weinstein allegations of years of sexual abuse, it is clear that sexual abuse still unfortunately a social ill – one that is prevalent even in the workplace. In fact, recent studies have surfaced that as many as 54% of women experience some form of sexual harassment at work.

From inappropriate physical advances to lewd comments, women especially are often victims of sexual harassment. However, due to the complication of power dynamics in the office and the shame that follows, sexual harassment encounters unfortunately often goes unaccounted.

It is therefore gratifying that celebrities around the world are using their platforms to strongly condemn sexual harassment and empower women who have been victims of it to come forward. If you have been a victim of sexual harassment in the office, or know of someone who has, read up on how you can best deal with these situations in the gallery above.

Ashley Anand

Photos: Getty Images

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