It is defined as unwanted conduct of a sexual nature. The unwanted nature of sexual harassment distinguishes it from behaviour that is welcome and mutual.

Sexual attention becomes harassment if:

• The behaviour persists, although one incident can be regarded as harassment.
• The recipient makes it clear that the behaviour is considered offensive and/or
• The perpetrator should have known that the behaviour is regarded as unacceptable.

It may include:

• unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct.

Examples:
• Physical conduct of a sexual nature - i.e. all unwanted physical contact ranging from touching to sexual assault and rape and includes a strip search by or in the presence of the opposite sex.
• Verbal forms of sexual harassment include unwelcome suggestions and hints, sexual advances, comments with sexual overtones, sex-related jokes, insults or graphic comments about one’s body made in their presence or directed at them and unwelcome whistling directed at a person.
• Non-verbal forms – unwelcome gestures, indecent exposure and unwelcome display of sexually explicit material.
• Quid pro quo harassment occurs where an owner, employer or other person in a position of authority at work attempts to influence the process of employment, promotion, training, discipline, dismissal of an employee.
• Sexual favouritism exists where a person only rewards those who respond to his/her sexual advances.

The harasser can be anyone - male or female, of the opposite or of the same sex, the victims superior, employer, lecturer, teacher, peer, stranger or acquaintance.

Firstly, try to solve the matter informally by telling the harasser firmly and assertively that the behaviour is unwelcome and he/she must stop.

Keep notes of the incidents i.e. time, place, type of incident and witnesses.

Keep any evidence such as notes left behind by the harasser.

If the harasser persists take further action – if necessary contact an appropriate organization for assistance and or advice.

The Code of Good Practice on the Handling of Sexual Harassment (Department of Labour) contains comprehensive details of all aspects relating to sexual harassment.

There are a number of organizations can be contracted for advice and assistance, depending on your situation and need.
For example:

• Childline 08000 55 555
• Sexual Harassment Education Project (SHEP) – Telephonic advice by a lawyer or paralegal (011) 403 0541
• Lifeline 0861 322 322
• Stop Gender Violence – Help Line 0800 150 150
• National Institute for Crime Prevention (NICRO) – Counselling, paralegal advice and legal advice (021) 462 0007
• Commission on Gender Equality – Tel No. (011) 403 7182
• Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA)
• Call Centre: 0861 16 16 16