21 Ways To Handle Sexual And Mental Harassment At Work

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If you find yourself in an awkward situation, trust your gut and take a call on what your tactic has to be. Sexual harassment is a reality and unfortunately there are a number of cases being reported across the country with varying levels of intensity. Yes, you have to be brave, but know that you are not alone ¨C there is a whole system and group ready to help you. Here¡¯s how you navigate through this space.

What you should know

1. Know your company¡¯s sexual harassment policy.

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It¡¯s important to know what the exact policies say. So you can be prepared accordingly.

2. Know Vishaka guidelines for sexual harassment at work place.

It is the duty of the employer or other responsible persons in work places to prevent or deter the commission of acts of sexual harassment and to provide the procedures for the resolution, settlement or prosecution of acts, of sexual harassment by taking all steps required as provided in this guidelines issued by Supreme court of India and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

What you should do

3. Be firm.

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Be mindful of the behaviour around you ¨C learn to draw the line between a joke and proper harassment.

4. Be sure about mixing business and pleasure.

It¡¯s a tricky business dating at work. So be careful of the boundaries and what you¡¯re getting into in such a scenario.

5. Talk to the harasser directly.

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The first step to take is to talk directly to the person who is harassing you, talking and addressing the problem directly.

6. Ask the person harassing you to stop.

You can warn them that you will be taking further action and report them if they don¡¯t.

7. Write to your harasser if they don¡¯t stop.

It¡¯s good to have a record of these circumstances so write a clear email note about the harassment and stating the need for it to stop. Make sure you date and sign the note and have the harasser¡¯s first and last name in the greeting. Keep a copy for your records.

8. Find victims and witnesses.

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Chances are, there will be other victims of your harasser. Speak to them and find witnesses for your case.

9. Get other written statements.

Ask the other victims and witnesses to write down and email their statements to build your own case.

10. Take it to your supervisor.

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If the talk with your harasser has not had any positive results, report them to your supervisor.

11. Make it formal.

Write a formal letter and include all your statements and history of conversations and incidents.

12. Involve your HR manager.

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It¡¯s important to involve your HR manager so that the human resources department can inform you of further action.

13. Contact senior management.

If you feel you need to, you can also take this up with your company¡¯s senior management, hopefully enabling you to take on the matter with discretion. Remember to have all the evidence possible.

14. Dial 1298 Women Helpline.

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To understand further and for support, dial the toll free women-dedicated service managed by Ziqitza Healthcare in Mumbai. Ten NGOs have come together to help women across all socio-economic segments in matters regarding legal, psychological, psychiatric, trauma, medical and other kinds of counseling. Any woman who requires help just needs to dial 1298 where they will be transferred to the relevant NGO depending on their particular concern, and provide counseling or negotiate with the family members to resolve the issue. In instances where the woman requires immediate assistance, then the call will be forwarded to 103 Police Helpline.

15. Know your legal rights.

Read up or speak to someone about the legal ramifications of what your options are.

16. File a lawsuit.

Consult a lawyer to evaluate your options. Be clear about what you want in return ¨C monetary compensation or your job back if you have been let go.

17. Ignore the haters.

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Remember that a step like this might not bring you any friends. But be strong and clear about your objectives and tune out the gossip.

18. Speak about it.

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Don¡¯t be ashamed about the situation. It¡¯s not your fault. You¡¯re the victim, not the culprit.

19. Have a strong support system.

This is not an easy time, so it¡¯s important to surround yourself with people who care for you and will help you through this tough time.

20. Be sure and confident.

This is a defining moment not just for you, but also for other people in the same company. What you do can help others come forward with stories of their own. Be brave for yourself and them.

21. Seek professional help.

This is not just about seeking the advice of a lawyer. If you need to, speak to a psychologist or a counsellor who can help you deal with the situation on a personal basis.

*Data Courtesy: Ziqitza Healthcare Ltd.

*Card Image Courtesy: youtube.com