 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 2009 Gender relations

Out of 272 respondents who experienced sexual harassment WOMEN MEN 5 Unknown AWARE SURVEY Copyright of AWARE 2009 Victims predominantly women

The Power Player The Mother-Father figure One-of-the-Gang The Opportunist The Bully The Pest The Great Gallant The 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  Age AWARE SURVEY 24% were years old Copyright of AWARE 2009 Who 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

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 minimiz ing fear numbing invalidation defamation 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 law Civil law: Tort Civil law: Breach of contract / Tort Copyright of AWARE 2009 Legal 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 s ; send 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 2009 Saying “NO”

Need Help? Befriending Counselling Consulting Call AWARE’s Helpline at Monday – Friday 3:00pm – 9:30pm Copyright of AWARE 20009