YOUNG PROFESSIONALS SAY NO TO BULLIES TOOLBOX YOUNG PROFESSIONALS SAY NO TO BULLIES TOOLBOX | Page 12

“Young professionals! Say no to bullies!!!”
Sexual harassment
Sexual harassment, which also belongs to the category of discrimination, is defined as the act
that involves the making of unwanted sexual advances or obscene remarks which violate somebody’s
dignity and create the atmosphere of hostility, violence and humiliation.
Sexual harassment in the workplace has two basic forms:
1. Sexual blackmail – offering employment, pay rise, promotion in return of providing sexual services
(which is conveyed directly, or indirectly)
2. hostile working environment
 suggestions, obscene allusions
 flirting which may be offensive
 sexual advances
 jokes with sexual subtexts
 comments on somebody’s sexual life
Actions can be classified as sexual harassment, if they are unacceptable, unwanted, and the harassed
person clearly protests against such actions. It must be remembered that in the cases of sexual
harassment, out personal views do matter. Everybody may define acceptable, or unacceptable
behaviours differently. One person may expect compliments, whereas the other may find the same
compliments awkward, intrusive, unwanted, and unacceptable. Crossing the boundaries of
acceptability is perceived as sexual harassment if in the view of the harassed person the harassing
actions are not stopped, regardless of his/her protests.
Counteraction against sexual harassment
Individual counteraction against discrimination and sexual harassment largely depends on our
awareness of experiencing such actions, and our awareness of being rightfully capable of
counteracting against such actions. For that reason, knowledge about sexual harassment,
assertiveness, adequate self-esteem and self-confidence are very important in effective reaction to
sexual harassment. Protesting, saying it loud, informing other people about what I am exposed to are
the most important behaviours taken by the harassed, or discriminated person. Sometimes it is
necessary to be isolated from the harasser as it is not always possible to change his/her behaviour,
however, it is definitely possible to change ours.
In the case of all pathologies taking place in the workplace, the attitude of the employer,
his/her actions and decisions are extremely important. These actions will not be presented here due
to the purpose of this publication. However, it is essential to be familiar with the state regulations,
legal actions that can be taken, what can be expected from the employer. Knowledge and awareness
are the basic tools of defence!
Successful management of difficulties, stress, and bad treatment depends on our knowledge
about these phenomena and the support we get. But to a great extent it depends on who we are, i.e.
what features of personality we have: if we are self-confident; if we are doubtful about our feelings,
thoughts, beliefs; if we believe in ourselves, or are mostly influenced by other people and their
actions; if we give ourselves right to making mistakes, having urges, or desires; if we are assertive
and care about our needs; or if we can be pushed around. Our decisions depend on who we are. It
should be remembered that self-confidence, self-esteem and assertiveness can be developed. There
are people who had these virtues instilled in them by their parent and families. For them it is easy to
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'Informational and workshop guide for mobbing, discrimination and sexual harassment'