What is sexual harassment? Sexual harassment is unwelcome attention of a sexual nature that makes someone feel uncomfortable. In other words, sexual harassment is unwanted sex-related behavior toward someone.
How about sexual harassment at the workplace? Sexual harassment at the workplace occurs when one employee makes continued or unwelcome sexual advances, or requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, toward another employee.
Furthermore, sexual harassment at the workplace is not only occurs inside the office but it also occurs outside the office, such as work-related social gathering or functions, conferences, workshop and training sessions.
Sexual harassment at the workplace is generally classified into two different categories. The first categories is sexual coercion is known as “quid pro quo” harassment. "Quid pro quo" means "this for that" or "giving something for something", which mean seeking sexual favors or advances in exchanging for work benefits. For example, the boss promises the female employee certain benefits, such as will increase her salary or promote her to be a supervisor, if she responds to his sexual advances or demands. If she refusal to do it, the boss will threat her badly or even fire her. The second categories of sexual harassment at workplace are called sexual annoyance, it is also known as “hostile work environment”. A “hostile work environment” exists when an employee experiences workplace harassment and fears going to work because of the offensive, intimidating, or oppressive atmosphere generated by the harasser. For instance, a “hostile work environment” harassment occur when the harasser makes unwelcome sexual nature, such as offensive teasing, sending pornography picture, unnecessary touching toward another employee, and cause the employee fear going to work. However, “quid pro quo” harassment and “hostile work environment” harassment will affect the victim's work performance.
Type of sexual harassment, there are 5 different types of sexual harassment. Firstly, a verbal harassment is in oral form and includes uncomfortable and offensive teasing, joking, questioning, or making suggestive comment, remarks or sounds, or even verbal whistles. Secondly, a non-verbal harassment is expressed in a non-verbal manner, such as body gestures, hand signal, lips licking or food eating and persistent flirting. Thirdly, a visual harassment is in a form of showing sexually-oriented visuals, for instance, by showing posters, drawings, photos, screen-savers or emails of a sexual nature, such as by showing a pornography picture. Fourthly, psychological harassment, psychological harassment harms a person's psychological well being and includes oppressively constant proposals for dates, repeated undesirable physical intimacy or social invitations. And lastly is physical harassment. Physical harassment involves physical contact, for instance touching or grabbing any part of a person, such as caressing, massaging, pinching, hugging, kissing, and sexual intercourse. In short, there are 5 different types of sexual harassment, which is verbal, non-verbal, visual, psychological and physical harassment.
How to confront and stop sexual harassment or harassers at workplace? There are few ways to confront and stop sexual harassment or harassers. The first way is speak up at the time. Be sure to say "NO" or “DON’T TOUCH ME” directly, clearly, firmly and without smiling to the harasser that is the best way to let the harasser know that his behavior is offensive. The second way is set your own boundaries. Say "NO" forcefully and clearly when you are asked to do something or respond to some questions or even engage in a situation that make you feel uncomfortable. The third way is be aware of situations and people who may harm you. Don't ignore any warnings about particular people or social settings. The fourth way is trust your own instincts about possible danger. In an uncomfortable situation, be direct and honest remove yourself from the situation immediately. And the last way is telling someone or report to someone. Don’t keep it to yourself. Being quiet about sexual harassment lets harasser continue.
However, the workplace should not be a sexually provocative place. Be careful of sending the wrong signals. And we should dress, behave and communicate accordingly. Furthermore, if you are harassed, don't blame yourself. Sexual harassment is not something someone "asks for" or "deserves". It is not your fault. Blame the harasser. Moreover, don't keep it to yourself and don't delay or try to out-wait the situation, being quite and delaying will only lets the harassers continue. Thus, if you need any help, feel free to contact a non-government organization or a social agency such as WAO (Women's Aid Organization). Their will definitely help you.
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