What to Do about Sexual Harassment
1. Document the incidents when the occur. In other words, write it all down...keep a notebook or journal.
2. Tell the person to stop, that the behavior is unwelcome.
3. Say it again, if necessay. Keep saying it.
4. Write a letter to the harasser. It is recommended that the letter has 3 sections:
I. Factual Account of what Happened
In this section, it is recommended that the factual description of events that took place be nonevaluative. This section should be as detailed as possible, including dates, places, people present, and a description of the incidents. For example, "On Wednesday, May 24 during a meeting in your office, you patted my thigh and hugged me twice." In other words, stick only to the facts involved...no feelings.
II. Description of Feelings about the Incident
In this section, the writer needs to document feelings about the events described in the first section. For example, "My stomach turned to knots during my visit with you in your office; I am afraid to come into your office because I don't want you to ever touch me or look at me the way you did."
III.What the Writer Wants to Happen Next
In this section, the writer needs to express what she or he would like to happen next. For example, "I don't ever want you to touch me or hug me again."
What to do Next:
A. Deliver the letter in person, with a witness or by registered or certified mail.
B. Do not send copies of this letter to administrators, unless the problem persists and you need to take further action.
C. Keep at least one copy of the letter.
D. Don't discuss the letter with the harasser if you do not want to.
Why Should a Letter be Written?
A. It helps the victim gain a sense of control ove the situation.
B. It breaks a pattern of silence the victim may have kept out of fear of retaliation and/or disbelief.
C. It maintains confidentiality.
D. It provides harassers with information about the way their behavior is being interpreted by another individual.
E. It most likely avoids formail charges and public confrontation.
F. It suggests that the victim is willing to take action to stop the harassment.
5. Talk to your supervisor, the Center for Human Rights, etc.
Things to Remember: You can always talk to someone about the situation, you do not have to write a letter before you discuss the situation. Most importantly- if anyone ever makes you uncomfortable, you have the right to tell them to stop. You can always say NO!
Information from Center for Human Rights, Washington State University, USA.
They adopted the information from: Academic and Workplace Sexual Harassment, Michele A. Paludi & Richard B. Barickman, Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 1991.