Stand Up, Speak Out, Be Safe: Workplace Sexual Harassment

In 2017, the #Metoo movement swept across the world bringing a fresh focus on sexual harassment in workplaces but clearly there is a long way to go.

Thirteen days before presenting Noel Clarke with his award, Bafta was informed about the existence of several allegations of verbal abuse, bullying and sexual harassment against the actor. Bafta’s decision to go ahead and award Clarke moved numerous women to break their silence in sheer frustration. The allegations so far are that Clarke is a serial abuser who uses his power in the industry to prey on, bully and victimise women.

Of the now 27 women who came forward, a number that will no doubt sadly rise, every single one of them knew Clarke in a professional capacity. The accusations include sexual harassment, unwanted touching or groping, sexually inappropriate behaviour and comments on set, professional misconduct, taking and sharing sexually explicit pictures and videos without consent, and more. Sadly, the statistics for women who experience sexual harassment in the workplace aren’t getting any lower.

For those asking the predictable question ‘Why didn’t any of them have reported it before?’, around 80% of women affected by sexual harassment do not report it. Why? Because these incidents usually take place in environments where misogyny is institutional, and the abuser knows he can get away with it and the victim is made to believe she won’t be listened to or believed.

In the U.K, 52% of women have been victims of unwanted sexual behaviours at work, from groping to inappropriate jokes. That statistic is simply unacceptable. For younger women aged 16-24, the number is even higher at 63%. Almost 20% of women reporting that the person harassing them was their manager or someone in a position of authority.

Many women report being sexually harassed or abused in job interviews and situations where the abuser is in a position of power, they trust that a woman’s want for the position will force her to stay silent. I now know that the question every victim asks themselves is 'who do I tell?'. Trust me when I say I get it, but our feelings, voices and opinions matter and must be heard!

Convicted sex offender Harvey Weinstein abused many of his victims in the workplace as a man in power. I applaud the women who made the brave move to expose his abuse and put him behind bars. They believe women are inferior, view them as sexual objects and that their powerful position, whether it be a Hollywood actor or a warehouse manager, allows them to force their sexual advances on whichever woman they choose to target.

Anyone who saw Meryl Streep call Weinstein “God” at the 2012 Golden Globe Awards, knows that he was viewed as untouchable for a very long time. With more than 300 Oscar nominations to his name, he was one of the most powerful men in Hollywood. Today, he is serving 23-years in prison for rape and criminal sexual acts.

Speaking up and seeking help in a violent relationship is certainly always the right thing to do, yet it does not necessarily mean that 'going viral' is the right path for every victim. I feel we must explore some of the considerations. The course of action you choose is vital to your recovery, well-being, safety, and healing. My first port of call is always safety. Keep a thorough record of the harassment, make a note of what happened and when, save the emails, and take pictures or screenshots of any communications. Apparently, even lockdown has failed to dent the number of incidents as workplace abusers ‘go digital’ with their approach. Remember, you employer is obligated to protect you from sexual harassment, even whilst working from home. No matter what your workplace abuse is, whether its digital, from a senior manager, in an interview or any other scenario, you absolutely must speak out. Nobody is above the law, no matter how important they seem.

Only 1% of sexual harassment victims in the workplace reported it to a union rep. I understand why, but this culture of abuse won’t change until we find our voices. Statistics are through the roof. We need to speak up as much as possible. Harvey Weinstein’s victims taught us through their bravery that it is not possible for anyone to be so important that they can do as they please without recompense or justice. His victims taught us that even a Goliath can be bought down when he is an abuser, despite the many women who stayed silent over the years out of fear it would destroy their career (which is something abusers want us to believe!). I will continue to applaud those who take a stand. Whatever the method, it is an unbelievably daunting task but as women our boundaries, expectations and rights should never be silenced.  Be aware, be clued-up, be sure, and most of all, be safe.