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What Can You Do If You Are Sexually Harassed at Work?

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If you suspect that you are being sexually harassed at work, consider taking the following actions, as long as your safety will not be compromised.

 

We’re here for you. Learn more about AWARE’s services here. You can also speak directly to us on our Women’s Helpline by calling 1800 777 5555 (Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), or schedule a chat with our staff here.

 

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  • 1 Tips
    1. While we recognise that indicating discomfort can be challenging given the power dynamics within the workplace, if possible, try to convey clearly that you are uncomfortable with the harasser’s behaviour. If you are more comfortable not speaking to the perpetrator face to face, you could communicate your reaction via an SMS or email.
    2. Alert or inform someone whom you trust at the workplace of the harassment. Talk to friends or family members that you trust about the incident. Having a strong support system around you can help you to cope emotionally with harassment. These people could also help talk you through the next steps you would like to take.
    3. Call AWARE’s Helpline at 1800 777 5555, or contact our specialised Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Advisory (call 6777 0318 or email whda@aware.org.sg). All Helplines operate from Monday to Friday, 10am – 6pm. We can provide you with practical advice or emotional support on your next steps, including on whether to make a police report.
    4. Remember that sexual violence is always the fault of the perpetrator, not the fault of the victim. Though you may experience feelings of shame or guilt around what happened to you, remember that you did nothing wrong.
    5. Try to avoid being alone with the harasser. In the case of team events, try to make sure that you have at least one colleague that you trust around. If it is feasible for you to work from home or utilise your leave, you can consider doing so while you work through your options.
    6. If you would like to explore police reporting, a protective order under the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA), or other legal options, you may turn to a free legal clinic for advice. AWARE’s Sexual Assault Care Centre (SACC) provides free legal advice to eligible clients, as do the Community Justice Centre and Law Society Pro Bono Services.
    7. If you do decide to consult a lawyer, ask in your first meeting about their professional experience in dealing with sexual harassment cases. Request that the lawyer set out in writing their policy on charging and an estimate of the fees.
  • 2 Advice About Documentation
    1. Collect evidence: Start a log and note down dates, times, places and who was present at the time of the incidents and give detailed accounts of the unwelcomed sexual behaviour. Keep any email or SMS correspondence with the harasser as evidence. Taped evidence is also useful. Documenting your own work and communications within the company may help if the harasser starts to question your work performance to justify his or her behaviour.
    2. Consider filing a complaint with your HR department or informing another trusted superior. If possible, provide them with some concrete evidence of harassment. This could include written evidence or a witness account, with the witness’s consent. In this way, the company is deemed to have notice of this incident and (if it is criminal) may have a legal obligation to act. If you are planning to resign and want some action to be taken against the perpetrator, it may be better to report the incident before you resign.
    3. In terms of working with HR/grievance procedures, they may ask for names of people within the company who could act as your witnesses. Before the investigation process begins, you can speak with any colleagues who witnessed the harassment to check if they are willing to be named as witnesses. While not everyone may be able or comfortable to be one, witnesses can be especially helpful in cases of verbal or physical harassment, where black-and-white evidence is difficult to collect.
    4. If possible, ask for a clear time line of the investigation process from the beginning. Also ask for a written clarification of how the investigation will be carried out. Try as much as possible to document your interactions with your employer over email or messages, so you have written documentation on their actions with regards to your case.
  • 3 Seeking Counselling and Other Support

    Most victims of sexual harassment benefit from processing their feelings about their experience, often with the help of counselling. Sexual harassment can be traumatic and may give rise to long term adverse psychological effects. Victims of harassment may experience a range of emotions, including confusion, humiliation, fear, anger, isolation and guilt.

    AWARE’s Sexual Assault Care Centre provides support to survivors of any kind of sexual violence, whether it happens at work or elsewhere. Read more about our services here. Call 6779 0202 to get in touch with SACC. Our helpliners may refer you to meet with our lawyers at our Legal Clinic or to our Counsellors.