What is Harassment?
Harassment is defined as any unwanted or offensive behaviour, whether spoken, written, or physical, that produces an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. Harassment can occur via digital platforms such as social media, as well as in person. Offensive jokes, insults, mockery, displays of offensive objects or imagery, stereotyping, intimidating acts, veiled threats of violence, racial or other slurs, derogatory remarks about a person's accent, or displays of racially offensive symbols are all examples of harassment.
91%
women have reported that they have experienced harrassment on more than one occasion whilst serving
68%
of the women at salute her uk stated that they have experienced sexual harassment whilst serving
42%
of the women at salute her uk stated that they have experienced quid pro quo harassment whilst serving in exchange for benefits
Types of Harassment
Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment is defined as any undesired, inappropriate, or unwanted conduct that causes the victim discomfort and in which the perpetrator appears to receive sexual pleasure. Sexually inappropriate remarks, physical aggression, unsolicited touching (such as rubbing, touching, or hugging), or sending inappropriate texts or pictures are all examples of sexual harassment.
Quid pro quo harassment: Quid pro quo harassment occurs when a person in a position of power or authority requests sexual favours from an employee in exchange for some benefits or the avoidance of a disadvantage.
Discriminatory Harassment: It is an inappropriate behaviour based on race, colour, religion, sex (including gender identity), national origin, or sexual orientation.
Physical Harassment: Threats or physical attacks are employed in physical harassment, also known as workplace violence. When they get to extremes, they may be considered an assault. Physical actions like shoving with a lighthearted aim can often blur the limits between what is and is not suitable. As a result, the one experiencing the behaviour must decide if it is appropriate or threatening.
Psychological Harassment: Harassment on the psychological level can make victims frequently feel ignored or belittled on a professional or personal level, or both. Their psychological harm spreads, hurting their work, social lives, and physical health.
Effects of Harassment
Harassment-related events, particularly those involving identification, may result in negative emotional, mental, and physical health effects. Harassment can become severe over time, leading to feelings of depression, anxiety, or symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
If the harasser is someone they know, especially someone in authority over them, the person who experienced it may feel rage, humiliation, shame, or betrayal.
Harassment is an unwelcome behaviour that can create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive atmosphere based on a person's race, colour, creed, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity, sex, national origin, or age.
Everyone has the right to be treated fairly at work, and the military is no exception. If you have had or are now experiencing harassment in the workplace, please contact us right away so that we can support you.