Sexual Harrassment 

Sexual harassment is behavior of a sexual nature that is designed to intimidate and control the victim. It can go on for some time or may just involve one incident. Such behavior can include, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature in which submission to or rejection of such conduct explicitly or implicitly affects an individual’s work or school performance or creates and intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or school environment. 

 

There are two types of sexual harassment

1. Quid pro quo – This occurs when the conditions of employment are based upon the victim providing sexual favours to the perpetrator. 
2. Hostile environment – This type of harassment is far more common and consists of the victim being subjected to severe and persistent sexual conduct that creates an uncomfortable and hostile environment.  The harasser often minimizes sexual harassment, for example by pretending it was a joke.

The following are all considered forms of Sexual harassment:

- Verbal abuse, including the use of inappropriate language, intimidating, humiliating, or degrading remarks of a sexual nature 
- Abusive emails, pin-ups on a wall or something sent in the post 
- Touching that is clearly sexual and offensive to you Manipulating, pressuring or forcing you to have sexual contact in return for employment, promotion, or other rewards.

 

Circumstances of Harassment 

- Cases of Sexual Harassment most often arise in the workplace but they can occur in other places too. Equally, harassers are not always men and not always of the opposite sex. 
- The harasser can be a supervisor, an agent of the employer, a supervisor in another area, a co-worker, or a non-employee. 
- The survivor can be anyone affected by the offensive conduct and not necessarily the person directly harassed. 
- The harasser's conduct must be unwelcome.  

 

Effects of sexual harassment

Physical effects: Sleep/weight problems, alcohol/drug abuse.

Effects on career: Lower productivity, increased absenteeism, poor concentration at work, poor motivation/morale

Emotional effects:  Victims may be living in constant fear and this can cause symptoms of post-traumatic stress.

 

Action to take if you are being sexually harassed

Sexual harassment is a serious offence and should not be dismissed lightly. Don’t presume it will simply “go away” as what appear like small acts could lead to a full sexual assault. Clearly and directly say “No” to such behaviour and indicate you would like it to stop.

 

Keep a written account of when and where the harassment took place and the behaviour involved.

 

Don’t isolate yourself, confide in friends and family for support

 

If it is a workplace situation consult supervisors or make contact with the personnel and human resource department.

 

Contact the Equality authority or local rape crisis center to discuss the possible legal options available if the behaviour persists.