Sexual harassment is devastating for victims. The trauma can last a lifetime and may result in PTSD. The stress, anxiety, distrust and fear leave the victim in a helpless state. Addressing complaints is vital and management must take the allegations seriously with enforcement of policies to protect the victim. Enforcement of accountability for the perpetrator may prevent further damage. If management fails to respond the victims are left with a sense of being re victimized with having to work in that environment. From my own experience, I know the devastating impact when management fails to take action. It costs everyone when management ignores sexual harassment complaints. For example, recently with the 500 female RCMP officers and their successful Class action lawsuit settlement of $100 million for sexual harassment, the message to every workplace may be ‘behave or your out’. Perhaps the RCMP Commissioner could take a few lessons from this case and enforce respectful workplace policies.
“The suspension followed allegations against the MLA of verbal sexual harassment,” said Morgan. “The MLA is fulfilling all requirements of the process and is expected to complete it in a short period of time. At that time, the caucus will reassess the status of the MLA. Due to confidentiality issues and to protect the identity of the complainant, there will be no further comment,” said Morgan.
“We would want that reporting to happen in a way that is respectful of victims, that respects their privacy, … but also that encourages and ensures that there be a safe space so that people who are victimized by either harassment or violence of a sexual nature do feel comfortable in coming forward, seeking the supports that they are entitled to, and also the, you know, due process under the law that they should be afforded,” NDP MLA Wab Kinew said during a reading of his proposed bill, The Post-Secondary Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policies Act.”
Everyone deserves to feel safe at home and work.
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/ndp-mla-saran-accused-of-harassment-406881125.html
