Every time we hear about sexual harassment in the workplace we always think about women as victims and never think that men are also affected.
Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, which impairs human dignity and creates a hostile working environment. It is an abuse of power and it includes physical, verbal or psychological conduct and it particularly affects vulnerable employees.
According to the recent statistics, 81% of women experience harassment in verbal form, 1 in 4 women experience sexual harassment in the workplace and 1 in 10 men experience sexual harassment. 25% of men are concerned about being falsely accused of sexual harassment.
For the fact that so many men are concerned about being falsely accused of sexual harassment we consequently forget that they too are violated one way or the other. Sexual harassment is nowadays associated with feminism because of the scourge of Gender Based Violence.
We cannot ignore the fact that GBV is a massive problem in our country but at the same time we cannot turn a blind eye to the reality that men can also be victims.
Pursuant to the drafting of the Gender based Violence and Sexual Offences Action plan, the Provincial HRU office have committed to sensitising all personnel in the SAPS regarding Sexual Harassment in the workplace and Labour relations policies.
Provincial HRU has already started conducting work sessions, for more information regarding the work sessions please contact Lt Col Raynard / AC Arthur at telephone nr.053 802 7335 or e-mail: NC: HRU Diversity Management: RaynardO@saps.gov.za.