Sexual harassment at workplace

With Tarun Tejpal, Asaram grabbing the headlines with their hideous atrocities, we often wonder whether have we been fooling ourselves all these years. That only men with cheap mentality are often driven to commit such acts.Have you ever noticed that some men make us feel uncomfortable, while some trigger us to utter frustrations? But why is that so? We are not born enemies, nor do we have animal instincts within us.Then why those long-lasting extra tight handshakes, those constant looks that you get from your male colleagues, those compliments hidden with double-meaning intention trouble us? Are we being sexually harassed?So have you been wondering whether you ever encountered yourself under circumstances that come under Sexual Harassment!What is being Sexually Harassed?Sexual Harassment is unwanted or unwelcome sexual advances and other verbal or physical conduct of sexual nature at workplace. Any inappropriate promise of rewards in exchange of sexual favours is also deemed as sexual harassment.Sexual Harassment is not to be associated with women only; men are also vulnerable to harassment at workplace. Sexual Harassment includes verbal, non verbal and physical things.Given below are some example of how often women are being subjected to VSH or Verbal Sexual HarassmentReferring to an adult as a girl, hunk, doll, babe, or honeyWhistling at someone, cat callsMaking sexual comments about a person's bodyMaking sexual comments or innuendosTurning work discussions to sexual topicsTelling sexual jokes or storiesAsking about sexual fantasies, preferences, or historyAsking personal questions about social or sexual lifeMaking kissing sounds, howling, and smacking lipsMaking sexual comments about a person's clothing, anatomy, or looksRepeatedly asking out a person who is not interestedTelling lies or spreading rumors about a person's personal sex life Given below are some example of how often women are being subjected to NVSH or Non-Verbal Sexual HarassmentLooking a person up and down (Elevator eyes)Staring at someoneBlocking a person's pathFollowing the personGiving personal giftsDisplaying sexually suggestive visualsMaking sexual gestures with hands or through body movementsMaking facial expressions such as winking, throwing kisses, or licking lips Given below are some example of how often women are being subjected to PSH or Physical Sexual HarassmentGiving a massage around the neck or shoulders Touching the person's clothing, hair, or bodyHugging, kissing, patting, or strokingTouching or rubbing oneself sexually around another personStanding close or brushing up against another person Tips to fight sexual harassment at workplace:Understand and become familiar with the organization's policy on sexual harassmentObserve and be aware of engaging in potential sexual-harassment behaviors or incidents at workExamine your behaviors, gestures, and comments. Ask yourself, "Could I unknowingly be encouraging sexual interplay by the way I interact or communicate?"Confront the sexual harasser immediately. Tell him/her that you find that type of attention offensiveIf you know someone who is being harassed, give him or her, your support. Encourage the recipient to talk about it and to take immediate action to stop it.