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Sexual Harassmentin the Workplace
Welcome and IntroductionsCopyright of AWARE 2009
UNDERSTANDING SEXUAL HARASSMENT
&
LEARNING WHAT YOU CAN DO IF IT HAPPENS TO YOU
Copyright of AWARE 2009
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
So, you think you know what isSexual Harassment?
Copyright of AWARE 2009Copyright of AWARE 2009Self evaluation
You think you know what is sexual harassment? (True/False)
1) Most sexual harassment are just harmless flirting?
False.
2) Only women are sexually harassed, this does not happen to men; all harassers are male.False.
3) Outstanding men do not harass women / men?False.
4) All harassers are holding higher position than the victim?False.
Copyright of AWARE 2009Copyright of AWARE 2009
You think you know what isSexual Harassment? True/False (cont.)
5) People harass others because they are sexually attracted to them?False.
6) Women “asked” to be harassed by dressing or acting provocatively? False.
7) Sexually explicit pictures placed as screen-saver on a computer, or on the office wall is not sexual harassment?False/True.
8)Talking about one’e sexual exploits at work in a graphic way is not sexual harassment?False.
Copyright of AWARE 2009Copyright of AWARE 2009
You think you know what isSexual Harassment? True/False (cont.)9) Victims of sexual harassment usually would
immediately make a complaint once they are sexually harassed?False.
10) Sexual harassment policies overdramatise what could have been a really normal behaviour between people. False.
Copyright of AWARE 2009Copyright of AWARE 2009
“Sexual harassment means unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, or other conduct based on sex, affecting the dignity of women and men at work. This includes unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct”
The European Commission’s Council Resolution (1990)
Copyright of AWARE 2009Copyright of AWARE 2009Sexual Harassment defined
Conduct must be of a sexual nature
It is unwanted; unwelcome; offensive
It could be persisted; repeated; or a singular act
It creates an unsafe working environment for recipient
It is intimidating, hostile and humiliating
Copyright of AWARE 2009Copyright of AWARE 2009
Essential characteristics of Sexual Harassment
Quid Pro Quo Harassment “Something for something” – Sexual Blackmail Abuse by someone in authority (employer,
supervisor, manager) Demanding sexual favours for job benefits… Withholding job benefits to get sexual favours
Hostile Sexual Environment- Created by fellow employees/employers
Copyright AWARE 2009
Two major types of Sexual Harassment
AWARE SURVEY
Source: The New Paper, 10th July 2008
Copyright AWARE 2009
Do people in Singapore experience Sexual Harassment?
WHERE ?• Anywhere where work related activities are carried
out
WHO are the perpetrators?• Bosses, colleagues, clients, in and outside the office
WHO are the victims?• Anyone affected by the offensive conduct
Copyright AWARE 2009Workplace Defined
e.g. Office parties, lunch outings, entertaining clients, team building events…AWARE SURVEY
Verbal
Visual
Physical
Copyright AWARE 2009Forms of Sexual Harassment
Verbal Sexual Harassment
Sexually suggestive remarks Obscene or insulting sounds Repeatedly addressed by unwelcome or
offensive terms
Copyright AWARE 2009Forms of Sexual Harassment
Visual Sexual Harassment
• Emails, SMSes…..instant messages of a sexually explicit nature• Exposing themselves in a lewd manner • Obscene sexual gestures • Staring at your body parts…..• Sexually explicit images… pictures, calendars
Copyright AWARE 2009Forms of Sexual Harassment
Physical Sexual Harassment
Brushed againstTouchedStanding very close/ leaning overKissedHugged
Copyright AWARE 2009Forms of Sexual Harassment
Victims generally experienced multiple forms of sexual harassment
AWARE’s survey showed that majority of victims experience verbal, followed by physical and visual forms of sexual harassment.
AWARE SURVEY
Copyright AWARE 2009
Behavior that is
•Welcome
•Friendly
•Mutual
Is an affair at the workplace, a sexual harassment offence?
What is NOT Sexual Harassment?Copyright of AWARE 2009
Society conditions women and men to behave in a certain way
•Emotions •Appearance •Roles/ Responsibilities
• Creates stereotypes: -Men are assertive, aggressive -Women are gentle, passive-Women not serious about career-Men are breadwinners of family
Copyright of AWARE 2009Why does Sexual Harassment occur?
