Sexual Harassment

This is behaviour of a sexual nature which is intended to scare, intimidate and control. It may involve one incident or may go on for an extended period of time.

People who perpetrate this form of harassment often minimise its effects, for example by pretending that what they said was a joke.

Sexual Harassment can take many forms:

• Verbal abuse which is degrading, humiliating and has a sexual content.
• Abusive emails, or something sent in the post.
• Repeated touching that feels uncomfortable or invasive.
• Touch that is obviously sexual and offends you.
• Forcing you into sexual contact, using things such as employment or promotion as rewards. 

Remember however, that sexual harassment does not necessarily have to happen in your place of work. Both men and women can be sexually harassed and the perpetrators can be men or women and are not necessarily of the opposite sex.

Effects of Sexual Harassment

• If this occurs in the workplace, this can affect your job and your career.
• It can affect your mind, body and emotions. You may live in constant fear which can cause symptom of Post-Traumatic Stress.

If you are being Sexually Harassed:

You may feel frightened and confused with what is happening - trust your own feelings.

Tell someone you can trust what is happening to you instead of dismissing it. Harassment may sometimes start off as little acts but can gradually build up into actual sexual assault. If the person you tell dismisses you, then tell someone else – you deserve to be believed and supported.

If you have physical symptoms which you believe are associated with the harassment then see a doctor who you feel will listen and take you seriously.

Stopping the Harassment

• Tell others what is happening.
• Confront the person harassing you with the support of a friend or work colleague.
• Decide if you want to take further action if they do not stop.
• Complain to your employer or the person in charge as there should be a policy in place in the event of employee harassment.
• Take out a case via the Equality Authority, www.equality.ie, for advice and help on how to bring a claim.
• If you are a member of a union then get in touch with them as they will have policies on harassment.
• Talk to a Solicitor about taking a civil case. You will have to report the harassment to the Police in order to do this.