How to deal with sexual harassment at the work place

Sexual Harassment at the workplace is an issue in India for the longest time. Even though everyone knows that it is an offence, they still do it. Sexual harassment can be described as anything that is inappropriate at a place of work. It is a gender-neutral offence, meaning that a man can do it to a woman, or the other way round. Sometimes, people of the same sex do it as well.

People in the position of power think that it is easy to exploit someone who doesn’t have any power. In fact, in India, 70% of the sexual harassment cases go unreported

In India, this is a growing problem. Recently, there were some big company executives had been accused of sexual harassment at work. This doesn’t come as a surprise because people in the position of power think that it is easy to exploit someone who doesn’t have any power. In fact, in India, 70% of the sexual harassment cases go unreported.

Even though there are all these measures against sexual harassment, it still slips through the cracks and happens, quite often that too

Since people are getting more aware of this offence, companies now organise workshops and seminars that talk about sexual harassment at work. The seminars can include what sexual harassment is, how to approach someone sexually harassing you, how to report the offence etc.

But even though there are all these measures against sexual harassment, it still slips through the cracks and happens, quite often that too. Here are a few ways you can avoid becoming a victim of sexual harassment at work:

Attend Training Sessions
Every workplace has a session on awareness about sexual harassment. You should attend this training and encourage all your co-workers to do so as well. If your workplace doesn’t offer training, request the HR department to make a strong sexual harassment policy and conduct classes regularly.

Do Not Laugh At Or Indulge In Inappropriate Jokes
This is one of the most innocent ways that a joke becomes a serious offence. People often make jokes that might not be appropriate for a workplace. Try and not laugh or indulge in those. Request your colleagues to keep their jokes appropriate.

Monitor Your Workspace
Always keep a lookout for sexual harassment cases. If you think that someone is being sexually harassed -- talk to them. Empower them with knowledge and ask them to take a stand against it.

Record The Incidents
If you’re being sexually harassed at work, take some time out to record the incidents that have happened. Make a list of all the incidents where you have been sexually harassed and file an official complaint with your HR department and ask them to take action immediately.

Confront Them If You Want To
If someone is sexually harassing you at work, you can try and confront them. Only do so if you are comfortable and confident to do so. When you confront them, they might apologise for their behaviour and not do it again. If it persists, however, a formal complaint is necessary.

Empower Yourself
Read up about the sexual harassment policy in your workplace. Also read about the sexual harassment laws in your city or country. This will help you to feel empowered.