Stand against sexual harrassment

In a release sent to the media yesterday, the EOC said that sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct in the workplace, and can be disturbing, worrying and psychologically harmful.

“All persons have a right to be treated professionally with respect, decency, and consideration. Sexual harassment is an expression of hostility and aggression.” the release read. “It is important to understand that sexual harassment is abusive. It is not done in jest or ‘good fun’ rather, it is done to intimidate and hurt others.” The EOC described sexual harassment as the unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature in the workplace, at an unwilling victim.

While sexual harassment is often thought of in terms of a situation involving a male boss and a female subordinate, instances of sexual harassment can be in many variations.

“Sexual harassment can be perpetrated by male to female, female to male and between or among individuals of the same sex.” the release read, “Sexual harassment may be directed towards a particular person, persons or group. An employer, a supervisor, a fellow employee, or even a client connected with the workplace can be a perpetrator.” The EOC encouraged for victims of sexual harassment to stand against it. They said it must not be ignored, lest the perpetrator takes that as a sign of encouragement or consent. The release said, in several cases, where a victim of sexual harassment confronts the perpetrator, the harassment ends.

However, if it persists, then victims are advised to make a complaint, detailing what happened, where and when it happened and who witnessed the incident, if any