SEXUAL HARASSMENT AT WORK

HOW TO STOP SEXUAL HARASSMENT AT WORK
Few things are more annoying than employees who put their creepy crawlies on co-workers. But when this touching gets into the realm of general discomfort and, even worst, sexual harassment, staffers are encouraged to take matters into their own hand. Although some women cross the line, popular sentiment suggests men are the main culprits. A lady's body is not a toy. However, female employees should have also established from the start the rules of engagement - by stating clearly what is acceptable behavior and speaking out when persons overstep boundaries. If the lines are blurred from the beginning, it becomes difficult later to change the rules of the game. Anyone touching you should do so with your consent. Once you allow anyone to touch, it can reach a stage where you loses value or so it would appear.
Step 1 Women should conduct themselves professionally at all times.
Step 2 Treat persons with respect and they will return it to you. If respect is shown, they won't make certain advances.
Step 3 Avoid having sexual conversation with men in the workplace....

Step 4 Avoid hugging and kissing when greeting co-workers. A good friend of mine told me some time ago that, "An upward persuasion in many case may lead to a downward invasion" Unknowingly, you just might be creating a sensual environment between you even though you don't see it that way.
Step 5 When shaking hands, exert a small amount of pressure, then release the person's grip. Keep things professional no matter how small it may seem.
Step 6 If the person makes unsolicited sexual overtures, avoid dialogue and interaction unless it's business.

 AVOIDING SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Step 1 First, always watch what you say in the workplace or at any other time. Saying suggestive things or telling dirty jokes may cause others to think that the door has been opened and that this type of behavior will always be acceptable. Even doing it once is not acceptable if you want to avoid sexual harassment.
Step 2 Second, consider your own demeanor and body language. For instance, if you are naturally cheerful friendly always touching people on the arm, others may get the wrong idea and mistake this for flirtation or interest in them. So try to assess the situation and make certain that your actions always match the situation. This is the best way to avoid misunderstandings.
Step 3 Third, dress conservatively. While it is never your fault if you are sexually harassed, wearing low cut shirts or suggestive clothing may give someone the wrong idea about you. So if you want to be taken seriously, then dress seriously.
Step 4 Fourth, be firm but confront the harasser. Explain that their behavior is making you uncomfortable and that you need for them to stop either making comments, touching you in an inappropriate way or suggestively staring at you. Give them the chance to stop the behavior. Sometimes the harasser may not have even thought that they were making you uncomfortable.
Step 5 Finally, reporting the behavior will almost always make it stop. You have a right to be taken seriously if you feel you are being harassed. Often reporting harassment will pave the way for harassment training and for this type of behavior to be taken seriously. If you are at all uncomfortable, then something is wrong. Reporting your behavior will definitely help you avoid being harassed in the future.


Tips / Warnings
> Let co-workers know you don't appreciate their touching you.
> If they continue, confront them firmly; let your words, tone and body language clearly express your displeasure.
> Report it to someone in managerial position if they persist.
> Get family members involved if the situation escalates. However, such confrontations must not be physical or boisterous.
> At this stage, if the abuse continues, report to the police.
> Most of the time when someone reports harassment, chances are this person has harassed others.
> Never feel bad or awkward about reporting inappropriate behavior. No one deserves to feel uncomfortable in a situation and reporting the behavior will help come up with a resolution.
~ Samahang Pinoy Kawanggawa
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