Inaction and retaliation

 

Inaction and retaliation are often the worst form of cruelty to a person already subjected to sexual harassment. Threatening with retaliation is even worse. In majority of cases women are afraid to speak for fear of retaliation. 

make sure you do not come to any judgement. Never prejudge, Nor assume anything.

You must understand its quite difficult for anyone to speak up about their sexual harassment especially in a male dominated society like ours.

If you are the victims manager or HR make sure the complainant gets safeguarded from further harassment and she is properly educated about the options available to her. If you are the manager of the victim do not brush or downplay the victims version. If you are unsure of what to do always refer any complaints to your Internal Complaints committee.

Every employee of your organization must be aware of Internal Complaints committee , Its members and ways to reach ICC committee This must be made aware thru frequent communications to all your employees.

Whenever a complaint is lodged under prevention of sexual harassment at workplace ACT, Internal complaints committee will follow the rules and regulations as defined by the act.

non-compliance of the POSH Act would cause serious damage to the reputation of the organisation since any reported case of sexual harassment would lead to monetary risk and media highlight to the organisation in the absence of a proper grievance redressal agency like the ICC. inaction of the ICC of the organisation would also result in similar consequences and the POSH Act itself prescribes a penalty of Rs.50,000/- for default.

Inaction by the Organization / victim not convinced with the decision can lead to the victim approaching the court. Retaliation should be totally avoided. ICC will be warning / counseling the accused not to attempt any contact / retaliate.