What are the Policy and Legal Responses to Sexual Harassment in Trinidad and Tobago?

In Trinidad and Tobago, there is no legislation as yet that explicitly deals with sexual harassment; however there are several acts that can be used to address sexual harassment.

Under Section 15 of the Sexual Offenses Act, sexual harassment may be considered indecent assault. Under Section 6 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act , a claim of psychological injury or damage can be made in cases of sexual harassment. The Equal Opportunity Act Section 5 offers protection against sex discrimination in the workplace and access to goods and services. The Offences Against The Person Act of 2005 makes harassment a criminal offence.

The “Offenses Against The Person” defines harassment of a person as “alarming the person or causing the person distress” by engaging in certain types of behaviour on at least two occasions. The details on types of behaviour and conduct are included at length in the act. The provisions on harassment also apply to persons who are in a familial or close personal relationship.