Harassment Oct 4th

Listen and follow:

Read the complete topic:

Harassment

According to the research figures of Trades Union Congress, a majority of women (52 %) had encountered inappropriate workplace behavior such as groping, sexual advances, and inappropriate remarks. 2 out of 3 LGBT employees experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. And the most alarming, 4 out of 5 people who are harassed do not report it. To be clear, harassment is not limited to workplaces, it can happen anywhere such as on school, street, and public places. So let’s talk about this serious matter.

Harassment is defined as unwelcome behavior that offends or makes you feel intimidated or humiliated. It can occur alone or in combination with other forms of discrimination. Unwanted behavior might come in the form of 1.) verbal, written, or physical abuse, 2.) offensive emails, tweets, or comments on social networking sites, 3.) graffiti and pictures, 4.) physical gestures, 5.) the use of facial expressions, 6.) jokes.

Harassment and bullying is identical because both hurt another person through cruel, offensive and insulting behaviours. Furthermore, discrimination is when a person receives different or poor treatment from another person based on certain characteristics or differences, such as age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief or sexual orientation. Discrimination involves restricting members of one group from opportunities or privileges that are available to members of another group. For example when women are paid less than men in similar job positions. 

These are 5 steps that most companies, groups or individuals can follow to avoid harassment from happening at all. 

1. Adopt an anti-harassment policy that establishes a zero-tolerance standard for harassing behavior. 
2. Establish a clear complaint reporting procedure. 
3. Provide regular anti-harassment training to all employees and managers.
4. Conduct a thorough and prompt investigation.
5. Communicate the outcome and take appropriate action.

The most commonly reported form of harassment is sexual harassment. This includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other forms of sexual advances in the workplace or at school. According to an academic study, women are more often the target of sexual harassment in the workplace than men. However, new research reveals that workplace sexual harassment of men exists and is increasing.

Harassment can happen in many different situations. Workplace harassment, for example, is a frequent one. Many victims of workplace harassment do not report it because they are afraid, and others are confused about what constitutes harassment. These are the steps that you should follow if you ever encounter this situation, keep a record of all harassment incidents, get witnesses, arrange a meeting with your supervisor or an HR representative, and be sure to follow up on your complaint.

Everyone is encouraged to report any cases of discrimination, bullying, or harassment, as well as threats of violence and violent acts done involving them. Companies and schools must address harassment and create a clear and comprehensive anti-sexual harassment policy that will help understand all parties rights, roles and responsibilities.

What can a person do if they happen to be a witness of harassment? Here are the 5 D’s that can help you to react in a helpful way. Direct words. Use words or actions to stop what is going on, be careful though. Distract or interrupt the interaction or change the subject. Delegate or ask someone else to help, especially if the person is a figure of authority, leader or supervisor. Delay. Check-in with the victim after the interaction and encourage them to report the incident. Document. Keep a record of what you observe including date, time and as many details as you can collect.