Sexually harassed at work

A 16-month study by women's rights group Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) on workplace sexual harassment in Singapore, has revealed that over half of 500 people surveyed say they had been sexually harassed at the workplace.

One in five was a man - some were harassed by other men.

Just what constitutes sexual harassment differs from society to society, but Aware said it is universally accepted that it is an unwanted and unwelcome act, distinct from flirting. Often, it happens repeatedly.

Harassment can be physical, verbal or visual, and can include unwelcome jokes, e-mail or text messages of a sexually explicit nature, being touched in a discomforting way and, in extreme cases, rape and assault.

On the lack of laws for sexual harassment here, the Government has said, while it is not an offence, victims may file reports with the Ministry of Manpower and the police. Offenders can still be nailed under the Penal Code for the more extreme forms of harassment, such as when they use criminal force.

Source AsiaOne.
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