New BBC Three Show Explores Sexual Harassment
Although there has been a lot more public discussion over sexual harassment in the past year, and the likes of the #MeToo and #TimesUp campaigns have brought this kind of behaviour into the public eye, there’s still a great deal of confusion over where the lines lie.
Now a new programme for BBC Three is exploring sexual harassment in the workplace, and what constitutes sexual harassment in a work context.
Barrister Ceri Widdett, who features in the documentary, said that part of the issue for young people is that there’s a “lack of education around the issue”.
Under the UK legal system, for something to be considered sexual harassment at work it needs to fall under one of the following three categories: it violates your dignity, it makes you feel intimidated, degraded or humiliated, or it creates a hostile or offensive environment.
It’s worth pointing out that just because someone else you work with might take things differently, that doesn’t mean what you’re experiencing isn’t sexual harassment.
The news provider offered a number of examples that could be considered sexual harassment in the workplace, including someone making sexual comments or telling sexual jokes, unwelcome sexual advances or touching, or asking intrusive sexual questions.
In the new show, a group of young people will be encouraged to discuss a range of scenarios that are commonly encountered in workplaces in the UK. They’ll see situations play out in a drama and be asked to talk about them, and where the line is.
Research conducted last year found that just eight per cent of women who have been sexually harassed at work report it, so it’s clear that more could be done in this area.
If you’re concerned and need support with an instance of workplace sexual harassment, speak to dedicated harassment solicitors to find out what your next steps should be.