Sexual

Harassment
Gender and Society

Presentation by GROUP11 Ramon Magsaysay Memorial college | 2023

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Abstract
Sexual harassment is defined as any unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature
that is offensive, humiliating, or intimidating. This misconduct can manifest
through verbal, written, or physical means, occurring both in person and
online. Common incidents include non-consensual touching, leering,
making sexual comments, displaying offensive materials, and more. The
impact on victims is profound, leading to stress, anxiety, depression, social
withdrawal, loss of confidence, and physical symptoms of stress.
A study indicates that post-incident, victims often experience a range of
negative emotions and consequences, affecting their mental health, social
interactions, and overall well-being. Certain groups, such as women
heading households, divorcees, widows, those lacking self-confidence, and
saleswomen facing pressure, are identified as particularly vulnerable to
sexual harassment. Recognizing and addressing sexual harassment is
crucial not only for individual well-being but also for fostering safe and
respectful environments.

Presentation by GROUP11
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Introduction
What exactly is sexual harassment? Sexual harassment refers to any u sexual behavior
that is offensive, humiliating or intimidating. It can be written verbal or physical and
can happen in person or online. The experience of being touched, grabbed amfled
without the person's consent is a common harassment incident but sexual harassment
also includes the following:

Presentation by GROUP11 Ramon Magsaysay Memorial college | 2023

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harassment also
includes the
following:
1
Making comments to you that contains sexual undertones;

2
Asking you for sex or other sexual favors;

3
Leering and staring at you;

4
Displaying rude and offensive materials so that you or others can
see it;
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5
Making sexual gestures or suggestive body movements towards
you;

6
Cracking sexual gestures and comments around or to you;

7
Questioning you about your sex life;

8
Insulting you with sexual comments;

9
Committing a criminal offense against you, such as making
obscene phone call, indecently exposing themselves, or sexually
assaulting you.
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A study reveals that these are

what most women feel after the
incident:

01 The victim feels stressed, anxious and

depressed. 03 She loses confidence and self-esteem.

She experiences physical symptoms of

02 She shies away from any form of socialization.

04 stress, like headaches, backaches or sleep
problems.

05 She becomes less productive and always

lacks concentration.

Presentation by GROUP11 Ramon Magsaysay Memorial college | 2023

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Vulnerable to Sexual Harassment

Women who are household heads and need jobs

01 03
Women who are eager to be accepted and
desperately; Divorcees, widows or separated are liked;
psychologically vulnerable due to

loneliness or personal loss; Women who are

02 timid or insecure about their abilities and lack of

self-confidence, or with limited potential for 04 Saleswomen who are pressured by male
clients in exchange for their business
career advancement;

Presentation by GROUP11 Ramon Magsaysay Memorial college | 2023

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Sexual
Harassment in
School
Overview
There are two forms of unlawful sexual harassment in schools.

The first form, the quid pro quo harassment occurs when a school employee
explicitly or implicitly conditions a student's participation in a school program or
activity or bases the academic grades on the student's submission to unwelcome
sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal, non-verbal, or
physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Proponents
The second recognized form of sexual harassment in schools is hostile- environment
harassment. This form of harassment requires that the harassing behavior be
sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive so as to limit a student's ability to
participate in or benefit from a school program or activity, or to create a hostile or
abusive educational environment.
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In a survey conducted by the American Association of University

Women (AAUW) in 1993 which covered 79 public schools, their
findings revealed that:

1 3
83% of the girls and 60% of the boys reported experiencing The most frequently type of sexual harassment experienced
sexual harassment in school; in school wa sexual comments, jokes, gestures, or looks
(76%);
2 4
78% of students reported experiencing at least one incident 81% of the students experienced sexual harassment in the
of sexual harassment since high school; hall (66%);

5 6
70% have been targeted by another student (a member of 75% of the people responsible for the upsetting behavior
the opposite sex; and were male.

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In a baseline study on violence against children in public schools

in 9 provinces (including the National Capital Region), the 2009
study had the following findings:

1 3
Verbal harassment was experienced by 36.5% of Grades 4 to Among the high school students, 2.4% were forced to have
6 and 42.9% of high school respondents; se

2 4
12% of Grades 1 to 6 students and 17.6% of high school Majority of the perpetrators mentioned in the study were
students were touched inappropriately; peers.

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 Presentation by GROUP11

In 2015, the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) and the
United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
conducted a national study on Violence Against Children (VAC) in
the Philippines. Here are their findings:

1 3
Three out of five Filipino children were physically abused Sexual violence was highest during dating (14.1%), home
(66.3%), psychologically abused (62.8%), and bullied (65%). (13.7%), and in the community (7.8%).

2 4
Almost 1 in 5 children experienced being sexually violated The perpetrators at home were family members while those
(21.5%). during dating were peers.

5 6
Among children and young people who experienced any The majority of the disclosures were made to friends, while
form of sexual abuse, 11.9% disclosed to someone. 10% - 20% of disclosures were made to mothers. Very few
(less than 1%) ever reported to authorities.
7
Teachers and guidance counselors were the most common
professionals that children disclosed to

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 Presentation by GROUP11

In 2015, the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) and the
United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
conducted a national study on Violence Against Children (VAC) in
the Philippines. Here are their findings:

1 3
Three out of five Filipino children were physically abused Sexual violence was highest during dating (14.1%), home
(66.3%), psychologically abused (62.8%), and bullied (65%). (13.7%), and in the community (7.8%).

2 4
Almost 1 in 5 children experienced being sexually violated The perpetrators at home were family members while those
(21.5%). during dating were peers.

5 6
Among children and young people who experienced any The majority of the disclosures were made to friends, while
form of sexual abuse, 11.9% disclosed to someone. 10% - 20% of disclosures were made to mothers. Very few
(less than 1%) ever reported to authorities.
7
Teachers and guidance counselors were the most common
professionals that children disclosed to

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 Presentation by GROUP11

here are suggestions when you encountersilver incidents:

At the Workplace:

1 3
Talk to the offender and explain to the person who is Keep a diary where you record the incident (time, date,
harassing you that their behavior is unwanted. place, offender's name and narrative of the incident.

2 4
Be informed. Find out what the company policy and Save evidence (text message, social media comments,
procedures on sexual harassment. notes and emails). This is helpful when you file a complaint.

5 6
Get external information and advice. Tell someone (to HR manager, peer or trusted friend).

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At School:

1 3
Seek for a legal advice. Write down everything as soon. as you can so you don't
forget any detail.

2 4
Check school's policies on sexual misconduct and the Report the sexual assault or harassment to a school official.
complaint process.

5 6
Report it without telling the offender in advance. Check if your complaint is taken seriously and investigated
by the school.

7
If the school does nothing after you report, make a police
report or seek other lawful action.

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Managing Global Sexual Harassment Investigations -

Lessons Learnt Investigating sexual harassment
across different jurisdictions needs careful handling,
both legally and culturally.

The legal pitfalls discusses global sexual harassment

investigations. Some countries have specific procedural
requirements, like India's Internal Complaints Committee. In
France, involving works councils is crucial, making the complaint
"on the record." Germany emphasizes timely investigations to
avoid dismissal complications. Divergent data privacy rules,
especially in the EU, pose risks for evidence gathering. A Swiss
court case illustrates the need for clear communication
regarding personal device use to respect employee privacy.
Overall, the article emphasizes the importance of navigating
diverse legal landscapes in addressing workplace sexual
harassment.

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Cultural Challenges
The article underscores cultural challenges in addressing
workplace sexual harassment globally. It emphasizes the need
for a consistent global standard of behavior in employment
contracts and rules. Local resistance may occur, especially when
key performers are involved. Despite #MeToo's impact, ensuring
employee confidence to report is an ongoing challenge,
influenced by power dynamics and social taboos. Employers are
advised to monitor policies effectively, using methods like
surveys and exit interviews, to identify warning signs and improve
prevention strategies. The importance of an independent
investigator in sensitive cases is also highlighted.

Presentation by GROUP11
 Presentation by GROUP11

Emerging legislative themes:

1 3
The appropriate use of non-disclosure agreements. A positive obligation on employers to take corrective action.

2 4
Extending sexual harassment protection to all workers, Mandatory training.
regardless of contractual status.

5 6
Mandatory reporting of complaints/settlements. Regulator or governmental codes of employer good
practice.

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Examples include New Jersey's restrictions on non-disclosure provisions,

some US states banning mandatory arbitration, and UK proposals making
confidentiality agreements ineffective for certain disclosures. A growing theme
emphasizes employer responsibility to prevent harassment, seen in US states
with new prevention policies and training requirements. Denmark and
Romania have introduced measures against harassment, while Hong Kong
expanded protection. Greater transparency, through disclosures of
settlements, is becoming more common. Despite progress, global consistency
is lacking, with some countries relying solely on criminal proceedings.
Employers are advised to stay vigilant, regularly review policies, and
demonstrate a genuine commitment to eliminating harassment for investor
confidence and staff morale.

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Sexual harassment has no place during

ECQ, punishable under Safe Spaces Act and
other existing laws.

Women are facing heightened challenges during the COVID-19

enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), including fear,
economic constraints, and increased domestic responsibilities.
Unfortunately, perpetrators of sexual harassment exacerbate
their suffering. The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW)
condemns all forms of sexual harassment, emphasizing its
inhumane nature and violation of human rights. The Safe Spaces
Act (Republic Act No. 11313) is cited as a legal recourse, penalizing
gender-based sexual harassment in various settings, including
online platforms. Specific incidents, such as online remarks and
inappropriate actions by authorities during checkpoint
operations, are highlighted. The PCW calls on both citizens and
officials to uphold women's rights, creating a safe environment
free from sexual harassment and discrimination during these
challenging times.

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 That’s
all! “Thank you”

Presentation by GROUP11 Ramon Magsaysay Memorial college | 2023