Content advisory

The information is here to assist anyone who has previously or is currently experiencing sexual harassment in their workplace. We understand that you have dealt with difficult and potentially very upsetting situations. If you have or are currently experiencing workplace sexual harassment, this information may bring up strong feelings and emotional responses. Please be gentle with yourself and take a break whenever you need to.

Is this my fault?

Workplace Sexual Harassment is typically about an improper balance of power. Someone uses their power due to their position in the workplace to try and dominate or intimidate you.

It might be that you are working in an industry dominated by one particular gender or sexual orientation. People may not feel that you belong there and may try to get you to leave.

It may be that people in positions of power want to exert that power to feel even more powerful.

Just as you did not choose your gender or sex or sexual orientation, you do not choose to be sexually harassed.

This is NOT your fault. So, what can you do about it?

There isn’t always a “right” way to deal with these situations. Different people will be more comfortable taking certain actions while others may not feel they are prepared to do the same.

WSH occurs on a spectrum or range of behaviours, so you may choose to respond to some behaviours one way, and then you may need to escalate your response if your first efforts aren’t successful in stopping the behaviour. Whatever the situation, it is always best to document any incidents of workplace sexual harassment including the date, time, location, name of perpetrator, and behaviour.

The following options suggested here are for you to consider and then decide what seems like the best approach for you. That will really depend on the type and extent of the harassment you are experiencing, and what you believe to be the best solution for you.

Handle it directly

•Go directly to the person and tell them, using assertive language, that their behaviour is inappropriate and unwelcome. The sooner you speak up about the behaviour, the more effective this method is likely to be.

•Try not to soften your statements. Be clear and direct.

•If you can do this at the first or second incidence, it may effectively put a stop to the behaviour, especially if the person didn’t realize their behaviour was inappropriate.

Speak to a co-worker/ally

•If there is someone you work with that you trust, you may want to discuss the situation with them.

•You may learn that the person harassing you has also harassed others in the workplace, making it easier to establish a pattern of behaviour.

•By letting someone else know what is going on, they may be able to help you by watching for the harassment behaviours so they can act as a witness if one becomes necessary.

•If nothing else, just talking with a trusted friend may help you decide how best to approach the situation.

Report it to a superior (Manager/Supervisor) or Ombuds

•Report the behaviour to a senior member of staff or as indicated in your workplace policy on sexual harassment.

•If the perpetrator IS your supervisor, go to someone above them in the chain of command.

•Some organizations may have an outside method for reporting such as a link on the company website or an email that is sent to an external contact.

•Some organizations have ombuds who are people inside or outside the organization who are trained for dealing with these types of complaints.

•Depending on the behaviour, you may choose to report it after you have tried to handle it yourself. In other cases, you may just go directly to your supervisor or manager without first speaking to the perpetrator. This will likely depend on the severity of the behaviour, and/or the length of time it has gone on.

If you wish to report workplace sexual harassment to someone other than your employer…

•You can file a Workplace Sexual Harassment complaint to the NWT Human Rights Commission by visiting https://nwthumanrights.ca/your-rights/harassment/

•If you are a union member, you can file a grievance through your union by contacting your union representative.

•You can also file a claim through Workers’ Safety & Compensation Commission. There is no special form for this. You fill out the usual WSCC claim form and submit it as you would a claim for any other type of injury. It is usually expected that you will have submitted your claim to your employer first, but if you feel you are unable to do so, you can file a claim directly to WSCC. Here is the link to their website: https://www.wscc.nt.ca/claim-services/claim-workers/report-injury

•If you are a member of a professional association, they may have a process for reporting on workplace sexual harassment. Check with them to find out.

How can I take care of myself?

Lean on your support network

•This is a stressful thing to deal with whether or not you report.

•Find trusted friends, co-workers, and family members you can go to for moral support.

Practice Self-Care

•Keep an eye on your physical health (diet, sleep, exercise) as well as your mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

•Take breaks when you need to.

•Participate in activities that improve your overall health.

•Keep a journal where you can write about your experiences to help you work through them.

Seek professional help

•Speak with a counsellor or therapist when you feel that the situation may become or has already become overwhelming.

•See your doctor to check on your physical health if you are experiencing physical symptoms from stress.

•See a spiritual advisor if you feel the need.

Check for workplace supports

•Some organizations have free and anonymous counselling services available so you can speak to someone without anyone else in the organizations knowing that you did so.

Get out if you need to

•Everyone operates at their personal level of ability. It would be great if everyone could report sexual harassment and have it resolved to their satisfaction, but that isn’t always the case.

•Some people have the confidence and ability to speak up and put a stop to the behaviour very quickly, but not everyone does.

•Some people can withstand the stress of going through the report and investigation, and dealing with the outcome, even when it’s not ideal. But not everyone does.

•We are all different. You will have to decide what you are prepared to fight for, and what you need to let go in order to stay healthy.

•There is no shame in leaving your job if you feel you have no other option at the time. Do what is right for you.