Have you experienced sexual harassment? You are not in this alone.
No one should have to endure sexual harassment at work. It can prevent you from earning a living, doing your job effectively or reaching your full potential. Worse yet, it can have a serious impact on your personal mental health and emotional well-being. Still, most incidents go unreported.
Being informed and aware of sexual harassment – what it is, how to identify it and how to respond – is your first line of defence. We’re here to help.
Think you may have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment at work?
What to do if you experience sexual harassment at work.
Tell the harasser to stop.
This should only be done if you feel safe to do so. Make it clear to the harasser that their behaviour is unwelcome and tell them to stop. This can be done verbally or in writing.
Note: It is still part of many harassment policies that the person who is experiencing violence must address the perpetrator before further intervention takes place. While it is important that the harasser is aware their behaviour is inappropriate, consider that there may be a more trauma informed way of adressing the issue. For example, having a supervisor or HR representative discuss with the perpetrator that their behaviour is unwelcome and inappropriate.
Tell the harasser’s Supervisor or Human Resources.
Employers have a responsibility to protect employees from sexual harassment. Bring the incident to their attention and let them know that you would like action to be taken.
Tell your union.
If there is a union in your workplace, tell your steward about the harassment. File a grievance. Encourage the union to put an anti-sexual harassment clause in the collective agreement.
Talk about it.
People who experience sexual harassment can be too afraid or embarrassed to share what happened. It was not your fault and you have nothing to be embarrassed of. It can be helpful to talk to a trusted person about what happened to you.
Take notes.
If you choose to bring a complaint forward, it helps to have documentation of your experience. Write down each remark or action, trying to remember the exact words used. Record the dates, times, places and names of those involved as soon as you can after the event. Be as clear and detailed as you can. Sign and date it when you are finished.
Learn more about Workplace Sexual Harassment
What constitutes workplace sexual harassment? How can you tell the difference between harassment and good-natured fun? What do you do if you witness or experience it?
You are not in this alone.
Whether you’re a witness to sexual harassment at work or have experienced it yourself, you don’t have to bear the responsibility alone. There are several resources and supports you can access to address the problem and help you cope in the aftermath.
Other organizations you can contact
Occupational Health and Safety
Occupational Health and Safety provides services to the people of Saskatchewan that include: assistance and advice to employees and employers; work occupational health and safety investigations (including sexual harassment investigations), enforcements and appeals.
Contact them online or by phone: 1-800-567-7233
Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission
Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission staff members investigate complaints of discrimination, including any form of sexual harassment, in public areas. Any form of retaliation is against The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code.
Additional supports
- Contact your employer’s Employee and Family Assistance program (EFAP)
- Free legal advice
- Free counselling through Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan
- How a lawyer can help
- List of Saskatchewan psychologists
- List of registered Saskatchewan social workers
Witnessed sexual harassment?
Have you witnessed sexual harassment at work? Not sure who to talk to or what to do? Bystanders play an important role in addressing and preventing sexual harassment in the workplace.
