VOICE OF THE
WORKERS ISSUE 41 OCTOBER 2014
Contents
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Tackling Cause and Effect Most working people spend at least a third of their day at work. In many cases, it would not be unfair to state that we spend more time with our colleagues at work than we spend with our own families. This huge chunk of our lives, by consequence, has a very direct impact on our physical and emotional well-being, as well as on our happiness overall.
even people who might not even be aware of it. Studies show that most sexually harassed persons may end up suffering some form of dilapidating stress reaction, such as anxiety, depression, headaches, sleep disorders, weight loss or gain, nausea, greatly-reduced self esteem, as well as sexual dysfunction (U.S. Equal Rights Advocates).
Sexual harassment at the place of work is one of the most negative and threatening aspects on a working person’s well-being. The consequences of sexual harassment at work are not just borne by the victim, but also by others who might be witnessing the situation second-hand, or
The consequences of such acts can also have a cumulative effect. In some cases, other women may feel less in a position to assert themselves at work, and this produces de-motivation, a sense of intimidation, and even leaving work altogether. To others, it can collectively produce low
VOICE OF THE
WORKERS
Who’s afraid of the Big, Bad Wolf?
02
As it is: Sexual Harassment in focus
03
Sexual Harassment at Work
05
Unacceptable Harassment
06
Respect! 07
EDITOR’S NOTE JOSEF VELLA morale, decreased productivity, and lack of basic trust between colleagues. From an organisational perspective, sexual harassment leads to high employee turnover, low morale, and severe losses in productivity. It is a lose-lose situation all round. The roots of sexual harassment may be varied and complex. They may arise out of psychological disorders, cultural issues, lack of social skills, unjustifiable ignorance and a system that thrives on perpetuating sexist ideas. All this leads to a very clear absence of respect, where personal dignity can be violated, and the perpetrators think that they have some right over their victim. 1