How to Prevent Sexual Harassment in the Workplace? Sexual harassment has been identified as a term that is difficult to define as it involves a range of behaviors.
Efforts have been made at both national and international levels to define this term effectively. Often, the term is subjected to different interpretations.
Some believe that it is better not to mix up with female colleagues so that one does not get involved in a sexual harassment complaint. How to Prevent Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?
The reality of sexual harassment incidents in the workplace is that there is more to worry about not reporting. There are people misusing the law. All HR professionals should know
How to Prevent Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Sexual Harassment includes many things :
- Actual or attempted rape or sexual assault.
- Unwanted intentionally physically touching, pinching.
- Unwanted sexual teasing, jokes, remarks, or questions.
- Whistling at someone.
- Kissing, howling, and smacking lips.
- Touching an employee’s clothing, hair, or body.
- Touching oneself sexually around another person.
Sexual harassment violates the fundamental rights of women to Equality under Article 14[2]
Article 15[3], her right to life under Article 21[4], and her right to practice any profession and carry on any occupation, trade, or business [5], which includes a Right to a safe environment free from sexual harassment.
What measures are to be taken in such conditions
1. Make use of resources.
The first step is to check your company’s employee handbook. Your company may have an opportunity to file an internal complaint.
If not, you can contact the Human Resource department for prompt action, or speak with a counselor about your legal rights, whether you choose to file a complaint or not.

2. Report it.
Immediately report any instance of harassment. Your employer must be updated with the instance or have reason to know about the harassment to be legally responsible.
Inform the floor supervisor, or someone senior in human resources, preferably lady staff. The person within your organization who is designated to deal with harassment.
Work according to the company policy (if any) for employees to follow when reporting harassment. Go thru’ it thoroughly ahead of time and follow it as closely as possible.
Discuss with your very close buddy before filing your report in writing. Keep a received copy of any written complaint you make to your employer and anything you receive from them.

3. Write it down
The moment you experience any act of harassment, pen it down exactly what happened. Be very specific and to the point as possible, recording dates, places, times, and possible witnesses.
When you report, mention all small things or communication that happened. Address the letter to the concerned officer.
Others may read this written record at some point, so be as accurate and objective as possible. Keep the papers in a safe place, or at home, where you can access it in case something suddenly happens at work.
4. Ask other co-workers to join
If other employees have also experienced the same harassment, ask co-workers to also write down and report their incidents.
If you’re feared doing that, mention when you report that you believe others have been harassed.

5. Keep your records.
Especially if you are harassed by a boss, your harasser can try to defend him or herself by criticizing your job performance.
Save copies of all reports of your job success, including performance reviews, and any notes or letters describing the quality of your work. If you don’t have originals, try gathering them (only through legal means).
If company policy permits, please review your staff file. Just make copies of the relevant documents or, if this is not permitted, take thorough notes.
As for your abuse reports, keep them at home, not at the office or on a company computer.
6. Get witnesses.
Do it safely, and talk to other colleagues who have witnessed your harassment. You may find witnesses or others who have been harassed by the same person or who would be willing to support your case.
7. Gather information.
Map out the important people and situations to investigate in the initial complaint. Provide the investigating officer with everything they need to conduct the investigation, based on current knowledge.
8. Don’t be thrown.
Difficult as it may be, try not to be sidetracked by the harassment issues. Keep doing good work, and keep maintaining meticulous records of your performance as well as the harassment and any action against it.
9. Ask for support from your friends and family.
Harassment and its consequences are difficult to get through. Tell supportive friends, family members, and coworkers about the injustices.
Speaking with someone about abuse will provide you with much-needed encouragement and help to explain and analyze all that has happened-which, in effect, will help to resolve your business or court case.
When you think someone else is being harassed, let the person know about your help and urge him or her to take these measures.
Don’t encourage someone to dismiss abuse as harmless or part of the company’s environment. It is everyone’s responsibility to stand up to harassment in the workplace.
For you
Sexual harassment is a serious problem in the workplace. It has become one that receives a lot of negative attention. India is a late entrant in formalizing sexual harassment at the workplace.
The harsh reality of sexual harassment cases at the workplace is that there is more to worry about under-reporting cases. In many places, employees have no option reason owners of the company are actively involved in the activities.