This is how 6 people dealt with sexual harassment at workplace

<p>Sexual harassment is one of the most unfortunate things that can happen in a workplace. Whether it’s making sexist remarks, obscene moves, or any kind of sexual advances, such behaviour (which counts as sexual harassment) is completely unacceptable. But even today, these issues are quietly swept under the carpet under the guise of corporate culture or friendly behaviour.<br></p><p>Why is it so difficult to speak up about something as serious as sexual harassment, especially when it happens in a work place? First, many don’t know how to deal with it, or a few might not even know that it is criminal offence! Fear is another factor that stops them from reporting the crime.</p><p>We got in touch with six people who had faced sexual harassment at their office. They shared the scary experiences and also explained how they dealt with it…</p>

<p>“One of my male colleagues was always jealous when I was appreciated for my work, and took it on his ego when I was given a promotion. Instead of working harder or airing his grievances to our seniors, he started bitching about me every now and then. Once we had an office party and he shamelessly called me ‘characterless’. He even went on to say that I let my seniors take sexual liberties and that was the only reason why I was able to survive in the organisation. Surprisingly, one of my male colleagues heard the entire conversation and reported the issue to the HR. He was asked to resign after ten days.”<br></p>

<p>“People have a perception that only women are subjected to sexual harassment. But the same can happen with a guy as well. My manager in my previous organisation wanted me to sleep with her. I never gave her any hint that I am attracted towards her or willing to do it. But she openly asked me whenever we used to be alone. I got scared thinking she can get me fired by making any false accusation, and nobody would trust my side of the story. I resigned before things could have got worse.”<br></p>

<p>“It happened in our office elevator. A well-dressed, decent-looking guy brushed his hands on my back. I ignored it thinking it must have happened by mistake, but he had the guts to do it again. The lift was empty and it took me five seconds to realise what has happened with me. I turned back and the guy passed me a sly smile. I slapped him and walked out of the lift.”<br></p>

<p>One of my seniors had a crush on me. He used to ask me out for dinner and coffee after office hours, and I used to turn down the offer politely. But he never understood that a no means no. He started piling me with extra work and used to find ways to make me stay in office for longer hours. Once I was working late hours, he kept his hands on my shoulder on the pretext of asking something. I almost shivered, picked up my bag and ran away from the office. I complained to his senior after a few days, and he was let off with a warning.”<br></p>

<p>“My workstation was on the seventh floor and I always used stairs instead of the elevator. One day, I was leaving office, and the stairway was a bit secluded. When I was on fifth floor, I spotted a guy smoking there. I did not pay him attention and continued climbing down the stairs. He shouted and asked me whether I was available for the night. I did not want to reply back since I was alone. I exited from the staircase and took a lift. I could not report the issue because there was no CCTV camera at the premises, and I could not even remember his face properly.”<br></p>

<p>“I had a team mate who used to openly say how it is easier for women to climb up the corporate ladder. He used to make sexist comments every now and then, and was known for his behaviour. One day, all his women team members decided to complain against him. We wrote a mail to the HR about his behaviour, and even attached an audio clipping we had recorded. The mail created uproar in the office and he was given a strict warning. He never misbehaved after that incident.”<br></p>