Sexual harassment in the workplace is unacceptable – period. Unfortunately, it still happens despite laws to protect workers.
What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment constitutes any form of behaviour of a sexual nature that is unwelcome. The majority of complainants are women, although men can also be the victims of sexual harassment.
It’s important to remember that harassment is not about having a laugh or a ‘bit of fun’, it’s about control and power. Sexual harassment can manifest itself in many different forms but can be broadly placed into three groups:
Verbal
If a colleague makes remarks about your appearance, your body or your clothes, that is deemed to be sexual harassment, as are indecent remarks, questions or comments about your sex life or requests for sexual favours, and wolf-whistling.
Threats or promises concerning the loss of your job or changes to your employment conditions in return for sexual favours are deemed to be sexual harassment.
Non-verbal
• Looking or staring at your body
• Displaying images of a sexually explicit nature i.e. pin-ups or calendars
• Sending texts of a sexual nature
• Sending emails of a sexual nature or containing explicit images
Physical
• Physical contact of any kind
• Sexual assault
• Rape
What can you do if you are a victim of sexual harassment?
If the sexual harassment continues after you have confronted the perpetrator and complained to your employer, you may seek redress through an industrial tribunal. In the event that your tribunal is unsuccessful, you should seek the advice and intervention of a solicitor or specialist employment lawyer.
However, you can also go to barristers direct for expert legal advice or representation in your case for sexual harassment, potentially saving you thousands of pounds. At Barristers4u we have over a thousand accredited barristers throughout England and Wales, so you can be sure that you will find a specialist in sexual harassment cases to represent you. For your convenience, we can set up video conferencing facilities, so that you can have confidential discussions with your barrister, wherever you are located in the UK.
If you think you are a victim of sexual harassment at work, don’t suffer in silence. You can obtain a free quote from a barrister with no obligation, so why not contact us today for more information and advice.