What is Gender-based violence in the workplace?
Gender-based violence is described as harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender. It is rooted in gender inequality, the abuse of power and harmful norms. Women around the world are disproportionately impacted by gender-based violence including sexual harassment and assault in the workplace. Millions of female workers are forced to work in an intimidating, hostile or humiliating environment, and experience various unwelcome forms of sexual conduct. Women are asked for sexual favours, exposed to inappropriate jokes, insinuations, and comments, and unwanted physical contact that can amount to assault. Despite its massive scale, sexual harassment in the workplace remains under-reported because of fear of disbelief, blame, or social or professional retaliation and as a result can be tricky to identify.
Who are the perpetrators?
Workplace violence can range from threatening language to homicide, and can be perpetrated by co-workers, supervisors, customers, clients, patients and intimate partners. Perpetrators rely on fear, coercion, and control to keep their victims from speaking out.
Approximately 24% of workplace violence is related to personal relationships, which involve situations where an individual gains access to a workplace and commits a crime targeting an employee or customer who is a current or former intimate partner. The element of power over the victim is a constant factor in most cases. Most cases occur down a seniority gradient with the perpetrator usually being on the top of it.
Solutions?
At organization level, companies can provide paid domestic leave, train supervisors, offer support for victims, and hold perpetrators accountable. For example, if anyone were to use workplace resources to perpetrate domestic violence—such as phones, tablets, computers—it could lead to automatic dismissal. Consistent CCTV monitoring of the workplace can be used as a deterrent.
On a personal level, reporting the earliest examples of violence against oneself can protect you from further violence and potential future victims of the perpetrator. Learning to recognize traits associated with predatory behavior and victim behavior can help employees keep each other safe.
Remember, YOU are NOT the cause of violence against you, help is available. Report inappropriate behavior.