Sexual Harassment at Work

Sexual harassment at work is a common problem. Sexual harassment is denied or not even talked about for many reasons. Victims concerned are under immense pressure. They don´t dare to take action. They don´t tell anybody. Victims are afraid of losing their jobs and their basis of living securely. Their fears are legitimate: They are threatened by superiors or co-workers in higher positions. Mostly, women are molested by men. The opposite is also possible. But usually, men are better able to take action against unwanted approaches. Traditionally, women are more restrained. They are physically not as strong as men are. When a woman reports a sexual attack, she often gets classified as hysterical or prudish. Sexual harassment gets dismissed as a peccadillo or misunderstanding. Nevertheless, a sharp line must be drawn:

Every action a victim feels threatened by has to stop. No matter, if sexually motivated or not.

As soon as a victim definetely says no, this request must be respected. Otherwise, the molester is committing a criminal offense, no matter if this person acted on purpose or not. Naturally, misunderstandings may happen occasionally. Certain people tend to touch others just because they like them, and give others a pat on the back. Although not intended that way, this may be seen as sexual harassment. The person touching another sometimes only lacks the sensitivity necessary and doesn´t realize that the other person doesn´t want those acts of sympathy. These forms of misunderstandings can easily be cleared: You only have to say a word. If the molester doesn´t draw back as soon as the other individual politely says:

Please don´t touch me, or: I don´t like that, further action is absolutely illegitimate.

Sexual harassment at work is a crime that justifies immediate dismissal. However, there often are no witnesses backing up the victim of sexual harassment. In many cases, the (supposed) victim´s credibility is being questioned. Sometimes, innocent individuals are accused of sexual harassment. Revenge is a common motive here. Rumours tend to spread very fast. And as fast as that, a spotless reputation may be ruined completely.