Dealing with sexual harassment: do’s and don’ts

…trust your instincts

Don’t tell yourself that it’s really your imagination working overtime. If something feels wrong to you, it is almost certainly because something is wrong. If you feel uncomfortable with someone making inappropriate comments or gestures, touching you, sending you explicit jokes or e-mails, it’s probably because he/she is harassing you and your instincts are right.

…stand up for yourself and speak up

Yes, it is easier said than done, but unless you voice clearly, it’s unlikely that the offender will back off.

So if they get too close to you, say ‘Can you step away please? I like my personal space.’ If they’re touching you, tell them that their hand on your shoulde, for instance, makes you uncomfortable.

Don’t laugh it off or respond with a smile if the harasser is someone you know, let your body language, reactions and expression make it clear that their actions are unwelcome. Speak firmly so that they get the message.

If the sexual harassment is happening in your workplace, do not let anyone convince you that it would be easier to quit your job. Your employers have a responsibility to protect you and have laws and policies in place to deal with sexual harassment cases. Resigning will get you nowhere.

…make a formal complaint

Don’t let yourself be talked into letting the incident go or brushing it off as a small incident. Or give in to the fear of possible social stigma or the worry that you may lose your job. Be brave, report to senior management at your workplace. Or to the police, if it’s not at work.

Make a record of all the incidents, dates and times when the harassment happened so you have evidence to back up your claim. Write everything down in detail, including people you may have spoken to about the incidents and your response to the harassment as well.