Sexual Harassment Training Workshops
In our Sexual Harassment Awareness
training workshops your employees will learn and apply
the important skills of handling sexual harassment issues
and complaints. This hands on workshop thoroughly addresses
the elements of how to
prevent unacceptable
behavior. The workshop includes a detailed
overview of what sexual
harassment is, explains legal definitions, discusses sexual
harassment prevention, and shows how to handle sexual
harassment complaints and maintain a positive work
environment.
For more information about individual sexual harassment
training workshops please complete
this form. Once the form is received one of our
consultants will provide you with a confidential proposal
that will include a detailed description of the training
workshop and the costs for conducting it.
Sexual Harassment Training:
Report Sexual Harassment at Work
Victims of Impropriety at the Office
Need Not Fear Reprisal
Once women endured rude or sexy remarks, touches, pats,
and catcalls at work but now the Supreme Court underlines
your right to report such behavior without fear.
In at least two 21st Century sexual harassment cases, the
Supreme Court stood behind victims who came forward with
complaints. Once, women feared seeking help because they
risked their jobs. They worried about personal safety and
about retaliation from abusers. Now, exercise your rights
without fear.
In June 2006, after hearing the Burlington Northern &
Santa Fe Railway Co. v. Sheila White case, the Court said
victims need not fear reprisal.
What Caused the Suit?
Sheila White worked in a maintenance section of the
company. She was the only female among male workers. Her
supervisor maintained that women didn't belong in the
railroad yard.
The story is not unfamiliar. White complained, then found
herself doing menial tasks instead of her regular duties.
Soon she was suspended without pay. The Sixth Circuit
Court awarded her compensation for damages. The Supreme
Court upheld the Circuit decision, unanimously.
Why It's Important to Women
Women work for the same reasons men work. To support
themselves. To support their families. To enjoy a certain
lifestyle. Women are primary victims of harassment in the
workplace. So this legal stance offers two safeguards for
job satisfaction: Safety and a measure of security.
A woman subjected to harassment can't perform her job as
well as otherwise. If you don't work well, you don't
advance. And harassment, of course, does not require
physical contact. For example, coworkers hooting and
wolf-whistling are guilty of harassment.
The court decision is a reaffirmation of Title VII of the
1964 Civil Rights Act. Those rights include protection
from discrimination based on race, color, sex, national
origin or religion.
What You Should Do
Nearly every company and school has written policies
dealing with harassment. Familiarize yourself with such
policy. If you find them inadequate or unclear, talk with
your supervisor or advisor.
To make a complaint or to request policy review, follow
the chain of command. Put your comments in writing in a
professional manner. It's fine to talk in person, but take
your written version with you. Keep copies. Record detail
accurately and truthfully. Submit the complaint to the
proper person and follow up to make sure they act. If you
don't get satisfaction, you can consult an attorney
specializing in harassment.
Also, make sure you’re never guilty of sexual innuendo or
harassment. An environment that permits or encourages
inappropriate comments or behavior isn't safe. If you're a
supervisor, you have to take a visible stance against
anything, as TV's Dr. Phil says, "...that even presents
the appearance of impropriety."
Source: Maryan Pelland
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