Darting her way from one task to another, the woman of today is spirited and self-assertive. Not only has she excelled at home, but she is gradually making an impact at the workplace.
Sexual harassment at work can pounce a crushing blow to her emotional well-being and career. If the woman experiences this for the first time, she is at a total loss of action, not knowing how to get a grip on the situation. Mind you, sexual harassment is not gender-biased because even men can face this, but its prevalence in women exceeds that of men.
Unwelcome sexual advances, touching, sexual favors, suggestive gestures, catcalls, and female bashing jokes are some forms it takes. Unfortunately, one has to deal with sexual harassment and become a victim of unwanted advances on the job. Facing ugly pressures, especially before promotions, bonuses, and raises, can get infuriating, but your response to it can have an impact. Knowing what to do before making one’s way to talk it out to judgmental colleagues can be therapeutic to the mind and well-being back at home.
Do not ignore
If someone makes you feel stressed, uncomfortable, or bad about yourself, do not take it lightly. The severity of the situation is point blank because it affects your mental health. Ignoring it as a passing experience is a mistake because your self-worth is more important than anything else.
Document everything
The Quid Pro Quo sexual harassment happens when you are offered a job, a promotion promise, or career favors if you submit to the harasser. This can also be the other way when you are threatened to be fired or demoted if you don’t do as said. Document these by writing them down, with the date, the time, and the place it happened. Witnesses are hard to find as harassers are too smart to give them away. The other type of harassment, called Hostile Environment, is more common. This is gender-based harassment in which comments about the gender being inferior, sexual comments, body shaming, and age shaming form a part. It is better to document all of this and, if possible, audio/video record the convo. Keep all of it in a safe place like a home computer, away from the office.
Collect Evidence
Apart from the video/audio recordings, take screenshots of missed calls, SMS emails, or Snapchat conversations from the harasser. Make sure you print them and store them safely.
Hardcore stats
Source: 4Point Consultancy 2020
Report harassment
The highest courts need the victim to report sexual harassment before you can sue. The employer also needs a chance to mend the situation and following your organization’s sexual harassment policy is the first step. Report your concern in writing to the right person, take follow-ups and all this must happen in writing (emails). Follow-up is equally important as the receivers should understand that this is a grave concern. The employer might not fire the harasser or inform you of the action, they just have to assure you that it won’t happen to anyone again. Once you report officially, the company is liable if they don’t put a stop on him or her – the harasser.
File a report with a formal commission
If your employer still hasn’t taken any action, it is time to upscale the complaint. Every country has a formal body that takes up several such cases of workplace sexual harassment. For instance, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission will help you from employer retaliation when you file a charge.
Do not take back the complaint
Living a sexual harassment experience itself is harrowing, and the moment you complain, it might get trickier. Ignore the scornful looks of people and stand your ground. Do not take back your complaint because it will make you look like the culprit.
Source: Cartoonstock.com
Find a good lawyer
Yes, we want to stay away from courts and law offices, but when the need arises, the victim has to consult an employment lawyer to bolster up the case.
Get the hell out
If your company does nothing, or you don’t feel safe anymore, find a better job. Don’t let anyone bully you into leaving work, as this is your decision. The harasser, post the complaint might get more attacking, ridiculing your skills, underrating your achievements in a deafening manner. It is better not to take any of it and believe in yourself.
Leaving without taking these steps will pave the way for the harasser to do it with someone else. Take action, show the results, and leave because sexual harassment should be zero-tolerance.
