Sexual harrassment at work?

Sarah1971

I wasn't quite sure where to post this, so I'll try here?!

There's another Manager at work who is well known for his ways with women and his rude comments. I have got along with him for the last 3 years quite well and I just laugh off his comments.

However, today, he made some very inappropriate comments about me and actually touched me in the area he was referring to in his comments! It was just me and him in my office and he just couldn't help himself. I told him not to do that again but he just laughed it off and changed the subject back onto work matters!

I confided in a colleague who said I should report him. I'm not keen on doing this as I don't want to cause any trouble and also he recently he instigated another incident(ABH!) with a contractor which should have been treated as gross misconduct but he got away with a warning.

I'm just worried that he might try it again with me or someone else and i'm now thinking should i take this further or just drop it for an easy life, as there were not any witnesses?!

I'm dreading work tomorrow and I would appreciate some advice please...

Sarah

chatta

Avoid being alone with him for a start while you decide what to do. Is there anyone else who will write a statement complaining about the same thing. Very tricky situation you are in there, if he is known for his jokey comments. Could end up your word against his. Good luck x

Nicki

I had a couple of similar type problems when I was a young trainee with older members of staff who were in a position of authority to me. I also felt that my job security would be threatened if I reported anything. In the end what I did was to wear some high heels to work, and on each occasion an inappropriate lunge was made, I would stumble awkwardly, piercing the top of their foot with my heel. For some reason, the advances stopped pretty quickly after this. I also made sure that another trusted colleague knew what was happening at the time, and kept a diary of what had happened as back up in case needed in the future, which it never was. Sorry you're in this nasty situation, hope it gets better soon.

tired_mum

dont be afraid to report this i had the same sort of thing happen too me with an assistant manager luckilly i had witnesses reported it and he was sacked thank god but it was quite distressing and i was in tears before i reported it but everyone was very supportive so chin up report it if you feel able but avoid being alone with this person if possible

Gorgeous_George

Tell him it stops now or you will report him to the Police.

Alternatively, report him, unofficially if you prefer, to his manager or one of his peers if this is not possible. Tell his manager (or peer) that any repeat of the sexual assault will be taken further. Be assertive.

Good luck. Be strong.



GG

daisykate124

Gorgeous_George wrote:

report him, unofficially if you prefer, to his manager or one of his peers if this is not possible. Tell his manager (or peer) that any repeat of the sexual assault will be taken further.

I Agree with GG

Stop this now before it gets any worse

Good luck

muffin502

Hi there - I had a similar experience a few years ago with a male colleague. I reported it immediately to the HR department and also my line manager. If the company you work for have the right procedures in place they will have a grievance procedure in place for all employees. Use it. Men like this need to be told in so uncertain terms that you cannot get away with this sort of behaviour. It is against the law and your employer is required to protect all its' employees against this type of harassment. Report it immediately ! Good luck!

barnabee

The problem is there for all to see -

well known for his ways with women and rude comments.

He has always got away with it and that has gone out with Slade and flared trousers.
I don't know if you are a member of a Union or if your place of work has a confidential 'First Contact' scheme that can help. You need to take positive action. There are plenty of websites with help on - try looking at this one to start with. Nobody has the right to do this to their staff nowadays. In my work place if the offender was found guilty he would be instantly dismissed.
Be careful how you approach this though - he doesn't sound the nicest man in Britain.

Sarah1971

Thanks for all of your advice. I'll sleep on it tonight and take the appropriate action tomorrow!

Sarah

Janepig

Sarah1971 wrote:

I confided in a colleague who said I should report him. I'm not keen on doing this as I don't want to cause any trouble and also he recently he instigated another incident(ABH!) with a contractor which should have been treated as gross misconduct but he got away with a warning.

I would have thought this should make you more likely to report him. If he's got a track record.......

Jxxxx

xmaslolly76

You can have a note put on your file about the incedent by HR if you do not want to go the full hog and report him it is fully confidential and will be held there for your and there reference if anything like this is reported in the future. He and your collegues need know nothing about it at this time, but at least you have an official account of what happened on file if you or another member of staff feels it needs takeing further in the future. :-) I hope it all works out for you