No one wants to have to deal with sexual harassment at their Florida workplaces; however, if employees don’t deal with it — and respond to it — swiftly and immediately, it could fester into a full-blown and job-threatening problem. Here are three excellent ways to respond to sexual harassment, which could serve to put a stop to it quickly and effectively without needing to report the issue to any superiors.
Appeal the self-interests of your abuser
If it’s a first-time offense, and you’re offended by the sexual harassment, consider that your “abuser” didn’t even know that you took it that way, or didn’t even know that what he or she did was sexual harassment. In this situation, you might want to ask directly what the person intended and what the person meant by a particular statement. This will clue the person in on your discomfort without causing the person to feel accused.
Tap into the abuser’s morality
After an abusive or harassing comment, you might want to address the comment and how you prefer interacting with people on a more decent, humane, fair and respectful way. This could serve to tap into the abuser’s sense of morality and he or she — if respectful as a person — will back down and stop the abuse.
Refuse to consent to the behavior
Say “no,” and say “move away from me” in any sexually harassing instance. You can be direct if necessary, or quiet about it. The behavior the person is engaging in is likely illegal or immoral and unethical, and therefore, you have every right to say no.
Were you sexually harassed?
If you were sexually harassed and the abuse would not stop, you might want to investigate the legal options available to you. Justice and restitution could be available if you pursue your matter in a legally appropriate way.
Source: Psychology Today, “A 10-point strategy for responding to sexual harassment,” Peter T. Coleman Ph.D., accessed March 30, 2018
