Almost every woman, trans or non-binary person you know can, unfortunately, tell you about an experience in which they have been a victim of gender-based violence – from being catcalled to sexual assault. If you are a woman, trans or non-binary person yourself, this is most likely not news to you. 

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)  is embedded in our society’s patriarchal structure in which men have traditionally controlled the power. It is present in all the spheres of our lives, especially in our relationships – whether they are with family members, partners or colleagues. It affects all of us, but its effects can be more harmful for those who are part of minority groups (migrants, women of colour, LGBTQ+, undocumented people, etc.). 

Sexual harassment is a form of VAWG which may also occur in the workplace.

It can manifest itself in sexist practices, ranging from “casual” and seemingly harmless habits – such as a joke or a gesture – to sexual assault and even feminicide – the killing of a woman on the basis of her gender. Certain behaviours have become so normalised that, sometimes, we fail to recognize that they are acts of violence.  

So, what is sexual harassment in the workplace?      

It is any unwelcome sexual behaviour that creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading or humiliating working environment and which has the purpose or effect of violating the dignity of a worker.

To better understand the presence of these elements, you should also take into account that: 

  • A sexual behaviour may comprise physical, verbal, and non-verbal conducts (e.g., texts and images);
  • It doesn’t matter if the perpetrator alleges they didn’t intend to make the victim feel uncomfortable; 
  • Free and valid consent is key in any adult sexual contact;
  • The victim doesn’t need to have a written contract from their employer to receive protection;
  • When one’s dignity is affected, it may lead to feelings of shame, humiliation, fear, frustration, vulnerability; and
  • A hostile environment may be intimidating, degrading, humiliating or offensive.

Can you recognise sexual harassment in the workplace?

Sexual harassment in the workplace can be a serious incident of sexual assault, but it can also be a less obvious conduct which makes you uncomfortable. It may be sexual comments or jokes about yourself or a colleague; physical behaviour, including unwelcome sexual advances – such as touching, hugging or kissing, and various forms of sexual assault. It also includes displaying pictures, photos or drawings of a sexual nature – such as circulating  pornography, by email or WhatsApp, or having pictures of naked/semi-naked women in the workplace. It could be, as well, requests or demands for sexual favours, or even leering or staring inappropriately. 

If you are unsure whether you have been a victim of sexual harassment, or you want to protect yourself or a colleague from it,  you can ask yourself the following questions:

  1. Have I been exposed to a conduct of a sexual nature in the workplace coming from a superior or colleague? 
  2. Has such behaviour been undesired and/or unrequested by me? 
  3. Has such behaviour affected my dignity as a person?
  4. Has the situation created a hostile environment in my workplace?

It is important to know that sexual harassment in the workplace, and other forms of abuse of power and VAWG, are illegal – most of them punishable by law. The UK has a legal system containing rules that protect you from these behaviours, and that enshrine your rights, especially those ensuring you can live your life with dignity and free of violence.

You can promote the prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace, by requesting your employer to have a clear, comprehensive policy in place against sexual harassment. In case of an alleged sexual harassment case, this policy will alert all parties to their rights, roles and responsibilities. It should also set out how to promptly and efficiently deal with a sexual      harassment claim.

If you think that you or a friend or colleague have been victim of sexual harassment in the      workplace, you can contact your Union’s Women Officer and/ or representative. They can guide you on what to do next. You can also contact specialist organisations such as the Latin American Women’s Rights Service (LAWRS), through our Helpline 0808- 145-4909 or by email: info@lawrs.org.uk.      

If the harassment is very serious, it might also be a crime. If a colleague or supervisor has sexually assaulted you or made physical threats, or you are worried about your safety, you can contact the police or the National Health Service (NHS). You have a right to ask for an interpreter when you speak to them.

Always remember that you are not alone, and that it is not your fault.