Sexual harassment is the legal term meant to prevent harassment and discrimination against women at work. There has been constant redefining of the term in legislation and court proceedings. All sexually related activities at the workplace aren’t always harassment and the laws for sexual harassment are not applicable outside the workplace and school.

The origin of sexual harassment lies in the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advancers, requests for sexual favors and other sexually related acts or statements when refusal or obligation will directly affect the person’s employment, affects performance or leads to a hostile work environment.

The recent years have seen a sharp increase in sexual harassment claims, with many organizations and individuals finding it overused. The fear is of large bills based on false claims, apart from the goriness of the claims. Sexual harassment allegations frequently force employer to question the credibility of two equally valuable employees. Judgments of this nature create discomfort for the employers. Then considerable time of the employees and huge legal fees are taken up by court proceedings. More than anything else, litigation means a loser and winner, causing permanent damage to professional relationships of all involved.

What Can You Do If You Are Harassed?
There is no definite procedure to tackle sexual harassment. Situations vary and it is up to you to analyze the problem and initiate action. While you can get advice and support from friends, affirmative action officers, human resource professionals and women’s group, it is eventually your decision. The one certainty is that choosing to ignore the problem will not be the end of it.

Do Not Blame Yourself For The Harassment
It isn’t you who is to blame but the harasser. Self-blame leads to depression, making matters even worse. There are certain strategies that women often find effective.

• Say no to sexual harassment with a direct approach.
• Write to the harasser describing the incident and the way you felt about it. Make it clear that it should stop. Send the letter by certified mail, keeping a copy.
• Maintain record of all developments with daters, times, places, names of those involved and witnesses and all verbal exchanges.
• Share your problem and don’t keep it bottled up inside. Staying silent won’t stop it. It’s very likely that you are not the only victim of the harasser. Confiding in others can help in finding support and helping others avoid falling victim.
• Find out who the authority in your organization is, for dealing with sexual harassment and whether you can confide in him. Most organizations have sexual harassment policies, procedures and officials or counselors for handling them. Find out what your organization provides for in these situations. Each organization is responsible for the necessary help, advice and support and all interaction can strengthen possible legal action if necessary.

If you belong to a union, consult your representative as unions are effective in solving sexual harassment problems at the workplace. In case of grave psychological distress, it may help top consult a psychologist or mental health professional who is aware of the seriousness of sexual harassment problems. Sexual harassment is definitely a crime that you need to keep your organization free of.