When the Touch becomes ” Sexual” at Workplace.

Sexual harassment at workplace is becoming a serious problem. The problem is also, the negative attention that it gets from everyone. Moreover, the problem with such troubles of intimate nature is that it comes with a lot of taboo.Sexual harassment will cost you, your peace of mind and productivity.The cases are under-reported due to fear of being Labelled in the workplace.

What is Sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is any physical contact, advances, request or order of sexual favors; making remarks that are sexually colored, using pornography or any other “Unwelcome”. Similarly, Physical, non-verbal, verbal conduct which is sexual in nature.

Hence,“ Unwelcome” is a very important word in defining sexual harassment. Since, Tolerance is different for different people, if it makes you uncomfortable at a verbal, visual, physical, or psychological level you need to raise an alarm.Understand that if someone touches you over your clothing, it is a sexual assault. If an initially harmless remark does crude and has sexual innuendos attached; So, you should stop it before it escalates.

Likewise, here’re are a few steps you can take to protect yourself from all the emotional and psychological stress that comes with sexual harassment:

1)Confront the person who is harassing you:

Face the harasser, look them straight in the eye and let them know that you did not like what they did.Try to be specific and blunt and do not think about appearing rude to the other person.Also, this is the best step to handle it at your own level.

2)  Put it down on document or report immediately:

If you could not improve the situation by doing step one, document the particulars of the event and the response of the harasser. If it happens again to someone else at the workplace or with you, a reference will be available.

3) Report Immediately, if someone is touching you :

Not to mention, if the touch is sexual or if there is demand for sex, you should inform it immediately to the management.

4)Take action by yourself:

If you feel, you have been sexually assaulted, you can call the police and report the crime. Do not let your guilt or desire to protect the abuser misguide you.Moreover, accept first that you have done nothing wrong and if you report, these kinds of instances can be avoided in future.

5)Take the help of law:

After you have reported a harassment case, if you lose your job or are demoted; take legal help.Let the law investigate and take steps for you.

6)Find Support:

Victims of sexual harassment blame themselves very often in some way or the other. If you feel traumatized, depressed and unable to carry on with your daily life, join a support group or Professional Counseling. Also, you will eventually feel powerful if you decide to act proactively and end sexual harassment.