#sexualharassment

Megan

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The other week i was waiting outside of my work office, waiting to be let in by my manager who was taking his time as usual. I work in a setting that is in the middle of the city center and directly leads on to a main road. Whilst i was waiting i tied my shoe, and bent over to do so. The next thing i know i had drawn unwanted attention- ‘Yeah baby thats perfect stay like that’. I instantly felt sick, not that it matters but i was wearing covered clothing, and was doing a very menial task which then resulted in an uncomfortable few minutes until my manager came out. I did not respond to the first advance, sometimes i honestly wonder if they think that will work, that i will just drop down to my knees. I looked awkwardly towards the office door. ‘you are so beautiful, can i talk to you sexy’. At this point he had crossed the road to come talk to me. I replied and said ‘I am just waiting for my manager to come and let me in the office’ (I know i probably shouldnt have admitted that i worked there, but at the time i thought maybe with him knowing someone was coming would make him go away) he still continued to say things, make noises, lick his lips. I just stayed quiet, feeling rude? why did i feel rude? I was being harassed and i felt rude and embarrassed. My manager came out, and let me in, to which he walked away but not without staring back and making weird noises and looks at me. This happened in what was probably two minutes. I shrugged it off and went to work, and only thought about it when i got home. I can tell you what he looks like, because every time something like this happens i mentally make an image of them incase i am unlucky. I hate that this is what its like being a woman. I was just waiting to go into my office..

Taking a Stand

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I’m currently working in a Wellbeing charity for a few months now and initially things were great in the organisation. However, after my female manager went on annual leave the CEO of the charity started to touch me inappropriately (such as stroking and rubbing my lower back, hands on my shoulders, squeezing) bullying and intimidation and invasion of my personal space as well. I later found out that his ‘touching’ was an ‘open’ secret in the organisation and he did it to many women. I felt disgusted that this CEO in his very late 50s, a married man was doing this to young women and vulnerable volunteers in this wellbeing charity. It was unwanted touching and I voiced my disgust and said ‘No’ and physically flinched from his unwanted gestures. I was quite shocked and did not report it initially as I thought it would stop once my manager was back. It did not unfortunately. I’ve had to take out a grievance as a last resort and although it is stressful and has caused me much stress and anxiety I strongly feel it was and is the right thing to do. Do not let anyone in a position of power do this to you, it’s unacceptable and illegal (please research Laws in your country and seek advice from employment help lines, I have found ACAS in the UK very supportive). I do not know the outcome of this grievance as the Board of Trustees Chair has yet to make a decision, I suspect much like the Jimmy Savile incidents in the UK they will be keen to sweep it under the rug. However, whatever happens I know I took a stand and said ‘NO’ and I hope and trust other people will also begin to say ‘NO’ to sexual harassment in the workplace.

Cassie

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I was hired by a law firm as a paralegal. One day, I wore a form-flattering, white pair of pants to work. The lawyer, who was tasked to train me, pulled a chair, placed it behind me and sat on it. I was seated in front of the computer then. He suddenly uttered, “Would you like me to direct you from behind?”, then winked at me. I was felt so violated, but I couldn’t do anything about it as I did not want to lose my job. I ended up just crying about it in private.