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Sexual Harassment. The definition of Sexual Harassment .
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The definition of Sexual Harassment Sexual harassment is intimidation, bullying or coercion of a sexual nature, or the unwelcome or inappropriate promise of rewards in exchange for sexual favors. In some contexts or circumstances, sexual harassment is illegal. It includes a range of behavior from seemingly mild transgressions and annoyances to actual sexual abuse or sexual assault.
How it can affect employees? If you are being sexually harassed at work you might: feel stressed, anxious or depressed. want to stay away from work (more than usual). feel unable to trust your employer or the people you work with. lack confidence and self-esteem in yourself and your work.
How it can affect employees? (Cont.) have physical symptoms of stress such as headaches, backaches, sleep problems. have your life outside of work affected, e.g. study, relationships. be less productive and unable to concentrate.
The rights of affected people. Where does sexual harassment happen ? Sexual harassment can happen anywhere - in the street, at a nightclub, at an interview, in a shop, and often at work. If you believe you've been sexually harassed, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Anti-Discrimination Commission.
The rights of affected people. (Cont.) What about sexual harassment at work? If you are sexually harassed at work, you are covered by the law, whether you are a full-time worker, a casual or a volunteer, and whether the harassment is done by a manager, supervisor or colleague.
The rights of affected people. (Cont.) What about sexual harassment at work? Examples might include a woman being touched by her boss on the breasts, being asked various questions about her sex life, someone being sent sexually explicit e-mails, or someone having sexual graffiti written about them in the toilets. Sometimes, people are afraid to speak out at work in case they lose their jobs, or are rejected by their co-workers.
The rights of affected people. (Cont.) How do I make a complaint? There are a few ways to try to deal with sexual harassment. Firstly, you can talk to the harasser, if you feel comfortable about it. There's nothing in the law which says you have to let this person know that their behavior is offensive, but often it's worth a try. Tell them what you think about what they are doing, and ask them to stop. Often though, this is too difficult for a range of reasons. If it is, and the harassment happens at work, think about making a complaint to someone in the organization - perhaps a manager, or a supervisor. Sometimes, there are Contact Officers who will give you information and support in these cases. Your union might also be able to help. Again, for a number of reasons, some people prefer not to do this. A third option is to lodge a complaint with the Anti-Discrimination Commission.
Particular steps a victim can take in order to solve the problem. • You might be able to resolve the situation quickly yourself by explaining to the person who is harassing you that their behavior is unwanted. • Make sure you're informed - find out what the organization's policies and procedures are for preventing and handling sexual harassment. • Get external information and advice. • Tell someone. The person to talk to might be a Human Resource Manager, a supervisor/manager or health and safety representative.
Particular steps a victim can take in order to solve the problem. • If the situation continues or is serious, you might need to make a formal (written) complaint that follows company policy. • If the person doing the sexual harassing is your employer or they do not do anything to stop it, it's important you get outside support and advice.
