sexual harassment in the Workplace

Newton Njuguna
Nov 8 · 3 min read
Art, Awareness, Campaign, Concrete

According to the Title V11 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it is unlawful to harass a person because of their gender. The act which is a federal law prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, color, national, religion, origin, and sex. Also, California has additional sexual harassment laws that enhance protection. Some of the laws are:

The Fair Employment and Housing Act, or FEHA applies to all California employers with or without 15 or more employees. The Law also protects independent contractors, interns, and volunteers.

California employers have to take steps to prevent sexual harassment from happening, they must also have a written policy on sexual harassment that indicates where and how to report or complain about it.

California employers must provide training on sexual harassment prevention to employees and supervisors at least once every 2 years.

Despite having all these laws, Sexual harassment continues to take place in the workplace. Sexual harassment can be physical, verbal or written and can make one feel humiliated, offended or intimidated, to say the least. Examples of behavior that could signify harassment include:

· Making sexually offensive pictures, cartoons or other materials in the workplace

· Sexual verbal abuse

· Sexual teasing, pranks or jokes in person or through e-mail

· Making fun of people of a certain gender.

· Negative comments about someone’s appearance.

· Inappropriate touching and grabbing of any body part, face, hair

Many who face sexual harassment never take any formal action mainly due to fear of disbelief or retaliation. However, you can take action by:

1. Asking the person who’s harassing you to stop

You can do this through the phone or in writing. In case you decide to write a letter, text message, or email, remember to keep a copy for proof. If you are comfortable doing it verbally, you can request a trusted co-worker to accompany you for her or him to serve as a witness.

2. Note everything down

Write down where the harassment occurred, when, date, time, what was said and who said it, any witnesses present. Put down every bit of information that could be helpful to you.

You should also keep a record (notes) of your conversations or meetings you had with the HR, your supervisor, or the person doing the harassment. Indicate people present, time, date and place of meeting in your records.

Keep your notes in a private place that is safe like on a personal email account, notebook, or journal.

Tip: Do not exaggerate the records as others may use them as a part of an investigation.

3. Go through your organization’s policies and the complaint process

Every organization has policies that are communicated to an employee in the form of a manual once hired. As an employee, you should go through these policies to find out what might be in place to protect you. Look for sections that explain how the organization deals with cases of harassment or discrimination and how to report such cases. In case there is none, there should be a phone number for the human resource or employee relations that you could report your complaint.

4. Report it to your boss or the HR

You might not feel comfortable nor safe after telling your boss or supervisor about the harassment you’re experiencing. But it is recommended you report the harassment to someone who is in a position of authority.

Sexual harassment in the workplace can be prevented if only employers communicate to employees that the act will not be tolerated. They can make this a success by providing sexual harassment training to their employees. They should also have an effective complaint process that can take immediate and appropriate action.

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