Sexual Physical and Mental Harassment

Sexual Physical and Mental Harassment... According to recent media reports, sexual harassment remains a significant problem in India, with four out of five women experiencing it in public places. Shockingly, this figure rises to 82 percent for full-time female employees and 68 percent for students aged between 25 and 35 years.

Sexual harassment not only undermines a person’s sense of dignity but also affects their ability to earn a livelihood and work effectively. It also creates a toxic environment for everyone.

Employers that fail to prevent sexual harassment face significant costs in the future. Examples of sexual harassment include demanding sexual favours in exchange for benefits or repeatedly asking for dates, hugging, unwanted touching, using rude or insulting language, making derogatory comments, posting sexual content, making sexual jokes, and more. Both men and women may experience sexual harassment, but it is more prevalent among women, particularly those in lower-paying, lower-status jobs.

Employers have a legal obligation to prevent and immediately respond to sexual harassment. A clear and comprehensive anti-sexual harassment policy can prevent many cases of sexual harassment. Policies must outline how sexual harassment will be dealt with promptly and efficiently, and all employees should be aware of the policies and procedures. Training employees on human rights and anti-sexual harassment policies is also essential.

Recording a statement of the harassment in a language the victim understands or with the assistance of a translator is crucial. Making sexually coloured remarks against women on social media is a crime under IPC Section 509, with a jail time of 3 years. Unwanted physical contact, showing pornography, demanding sexual favours, and implying sexual intentions are also illegal and punishable under IPC Section 354 (A).

Voyeurism, which involves watching, capturing, or sharing images of a woman engaging in a private act without her consent, is also illegal and punishable under IPC Section 354 (C). Singing vulgar songs directed at women in public places is considered sexual harassment and is punishable under IPC Section 294 with a jail time of up to three months.

sexual harassment has severe physical, mental, and emotional consequences. Employers must take proactive measures to prevent and respond to sexual harassment and promote a poison-free environment that respects human rights. Victims of sexual harassment should be aware of their rights and seek assistance when necessary.