Sexual Harassment: An Untreated Infection That Demands Timely Intervention
Olivia Broderick
Executive PA @ stopsexualmisconduct.co.uk | Stop Sexual Misconduct
In this disturbing case that highlights the pervasive issue of workplace harassment and stalking, Shaheen Chishti, 54, from Shepherd's Bush, has been brought to justice after a seven-year campaign of harassment and threats against a former colleague and her family. Chishti's relentless pursuit began in 2016 and escalated to severe levels of intimidation and threats, demonstrating the urgent need for comprehensive measures to combat workplace sexual harassment.
The ordeal started when Chishti met the victim at their place of work. What began as a series of unwanted emails and messages soon spiralled into a pattern of sexual harassment and stalking. Despite receiving a police caution in December 2016, Chishti continued his campaign, exploiting various social media platforms and phone numbers to harass the victim. His actions extended beyond the victim to her family, with chilling threats and explicit communications aimed at her mother.
The gravity of the situation became evident when Chishti escalated his threats, detailing explicit sexual acts he intended to carry out and threatening to throw the victim into water, knowing she could not swim. This pattern of behaviour underscores the severe impact that workplace sexual harassment can have on individuals, extending beyond the professional environment into personal and familial domains.
The Workplace: A Nexus for Sexual Harassment
Workplaces are meant to be safe environments where individuals can focus on their responsibilities and pursue their careers without fear of sexual harassment of any form. Unfortunately, Chishti's case is a stark reminder that this is not always the reality. The fact that such a severe case of sexual harassment began in the workplace is incomprehensible and highlights a critical failure in the system meant to protect employees.
Workplace harassment, particularly sexual harassment, is alarmingly common and often goes unreported due to fear of retaliation or lack of faith in the system. This case illustrates the importance of robust and proactive measures to prevent sexual harassment before it can escalate.
Legislative Response: The Worker Protection Amendment
In response to the increasing awareness and urgency of addressing workplace sexual harassment, the Worker Protection (Amendment of the Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 is coming into force on October 27, 2024. This new legislation mandates that employers must take a 'preventative duty' and 'reasonable steps' to prevent sexual harassment from within the workplace, this means implementing comprehensive preventative sexual harassment training for all staff, including Leaders, Managers and Hr. All organisations should create preventative, up-to-date, and 'stand-alone' sexual harassment policies, separate from general bullying and harassment policies.
This amendment aims to ensure that all employees are educated about what constitutes sexual harassment, how to report it, and the consequences of such behaviour. By fostering an informed and vigilant workforce, the legislation seeks to create safer workplace environments and prevent cases like Chishti's from occurring.
The Importance of Proactive Measures
Employers now have a clear directive to get their houses in order. With only 160 days left until the new law comes into effect, it is imperative that organisations take immediate action. This includes not only the training and policies but also fostering a culture where employees feel safe to report sexual harassment without fear of retaliation.
Much like treating an infection, addressing sexual harassment requires timely and effective intervention. Without proper treatment, it can escalate and spread, causing significant harm to individuals and organisations alike.
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The case of Shaheen Chishti serves as a sobering reminder of the insidious nature of workplace sexual harassment and the lengths to which it can escalate if left unchecked. As we move towards the implementation of the Worker Protection Act 2023, it is crucial for employers to prioritise the safety and well-being of their employees through communication and comprehensive training and policies. Only then can we hope to create workplaces where everyone can feel safe and valued.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended that specific professional advice is sought before acting on any of the information [email protected] ? 2024.
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