Some men use sexual harassment as a means to show their superiority and dominance at work. ...
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Transcript of Some men use sexual harassment as a means to show their superiority and dominance at work. ...
Some men use sexual harassment as a means to show their superiority and dominance at work.
Asserting power over women to reinforce gender stereotypes / ‘keep women in their place’
If the work environment tolerates or condones sexual harassment, these men are likely to act on it
Copyright of AWARE 2009Gender relations
Out of 272 respondents who experienced sexual harassment
WOMEN 215
52
MEN
5 Unknown
AWARE SURVEY
Copyright of AWARE 2009
Victims predominantly women
The Power PlayerThe Mother-Father figureOne-of-the-GangThe OpportunistThe BullyThe PestThe Great GallantThe Groper
Copyright of AWARE 2009
Profile of harassers-behavior and type of harassment
Subordinates
Perceived passivity or lack of assertiveness
Poor education or being naive
Low self-esteem
AgeAWARE SURVEY
24% were 21-25 years old
Copyright of AWARE 2009Who may be the target?
Ignore it
Avoid it
Play along
Find a “protector” within the office hierarchy
Protest the harassment
Quit
Responses by the victim
Copyright of AWARE 2009
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Guilty
Afraid lose job
Resigned to situation
Affected job
Wish had someone to talk to
Confused
Afraid
Wish something could be done
Angry
AWARE SURVEY
Copyright of AWARE 2009
Emotions upon experiencing sexual harassment
Sexual harassment is a type of sexual abuse
Victim of severe or chronic harassment can suffer the
same psychological effects as rape victims
Long road towards recovery
Sexual Harassment is Sexual Abuse
Copyright of AWARE 2009
Job Performance symptoms
Depressive symptoms
Behavioral symptoms
Perceptive symptoms
Long-Term effects
Symptoms of the Victim
Copyright of AWARE 2009
What may be the factors that silence the
victim?
-Individual factors
-Organisational factors
Silencing the victim
Copyright of AWARE 2009
Range of Emotions
Victim’s personal struggles…Copyright of AWARE 2009
confusion
embarrassment
guilt and shame
denial
minimizingfear
numbin
g invalidati
ondefamation
sexual orientation
masculinity
No proper complaint mechanism in place
Trust words of senior
Protect the image of the company
Organisational Barriers
Copyright of AWARE 2009
Harasser Employer
Criminal lawCivil law:
Tort
Civil law: Breach of contract /
Tort
Copyright of AWARE 2009Legal Redress for harassed
Part I: [First time when incident occurs]• Get message across clearly; “no one can
read your mind”
• Tell harasser to STOP (!) not just with your words but also with your non-verbals (eyes, gestures, tone, physiology)
• Be Specific, Be Firm and Be Direct when you say “NO”
Copyright of AWARE 2009
What can you do if it happens to you??
Different Ways to say “No”
Copyright of AWARE 2009
What can you do if it happens to you (cont.)??
• You may not be aware, but when you [specify action], it makes me uncomfortable and I want this behavior to STOP.
• I feel uncomfortable when you [specify action] ……..So, please stop.
• “Please stop, you are making me
uncomfortable with [specify action]”
Part II: [When incident is escalated]
• Alert someone at the workplace that this is happening to you. Ask them to observe the interaction
• Start noting down dates/time/place; who was present at the time of incidents.
Copyright of AWARE 2009
What can you do if it happens to you (cont.)??
Part II: [When incident is escalated]
Get EVIDENCE
• Keep SMSs and emails ; send email to HR Department or trusted colleague stating facts and ask for help
• Tape conversations
• People as witnesses
• Seek support from family, friends or call AWARE helpline if you still feel unsure
Copyright of AWARE 2009
What can you do if it happens to you (cont.)??
Part III: As a witness
• Be part of the Solution and not the problem
• Speak up to your HR or union if you see sexual harrassment bothering someone
• Cooperate with sexual harassment investigation
IT IS YOUR WORKPLACE TOO!!
Copyright of AWARE 2009
What can you do if you witness someone being sexually harassed?
In trios
Harasser Victim Observer
Copyright of AWARE 2009Saying “NO”
Call AWARE’s Helpline at1800 774 5935Monday – Friday3:00pm – 9:30pm
Copyright of AWARE 20009