W H AT YO U N E E D TO K N O W Harassment What is Sexual Harassment? • Sexual harassment is prohibited by the club. This includes harassment by anyone on the premises or whilst representing the club at events. • Sexual harassment occurs whenever unwelcome sexual conduct affects an individual or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive club environment. This can include unwanted touching, sexual comments or jokes, staring, requests for sexual favours or the display of provocative material, whether online or in the club. • Always use good judgement and remember that what seems ‘okay’ or ‘funny’ to one person can offend someone else. Sexual Harassment Includes: • Inappropriate or unwelcome touching or other contact • Derogatory or offensive remarks relating to sex or gender • Inappropriate gestures • Telling vulgar jokes • Circulating offensive or inappropriate e-mails • Display of sexually suggestive objects or pictures, including internet material. • Gender or sex-based pranks • Unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favours At the Club or Outside of it • If someone at the club ever makes you feel uncomfortable report it promptly to the Club’s directors or safeguarding officer. • If you become aware of a suspected incident of harassment you are expected to report it promptly to the Club directors or safeguarding officer. If you don’t then how are they supposed to have the opportunity to correct it? Scenario • Bridgette: I just got your e-mail about the party. Did something exciting actually happen at a club event? • Sara: I wouldn’t call it exciting. You know Mike, the guy with the sports car? • Bridgette: Of course, everybody knows Mike! He’s hilarious! • Sara: Hilarious? Maybe to some people. He started making comments about what I was wearing, and how it shows off my figure and my ‘lovely long legs’, and he wouldn’t stop. I felt so uncomfortable that I had to leave. • Bridgette: That’s awful. Did anyone say anything to him? • Sara: No, no one really knew what to say. I think they were waiting to see how I reacted Scenario continued • Bridgette: Sara, you should say something to Mike or talk to a Club Director or Safeguarding Officer if you’re uncomfortable. • Bridgette: He needs to know that not everyone appreciates comments about how they look, especially if it makes you feel uncomfortable. • Sara: No. I don’t want to make a big deal out of it. Scenario Conclusion: • Sara is uncomfortable about Mike’s comments at the party. Which of the following statements is accurate: 1. Sara may have been the victim of harassment, and she should report the situation 2. If Mike was unaware of Sara’s discomfort, then the comments would not be considered inappropriate 3. Whether or not this situation would be considered harassment would depend upon whether Mike intended the comments to be in a friendly or flattering manner rather than how Sara received the comments Scenario Conclusion: • The answer is: 1. Sara may have been the victim of harassment, and she should report the situation It doesn’t matter whether the person who made the remarks was aware that they were causing discomfort, or how the person meant the comments to be received, what matters is whether the person was offended. Speaking up for Someone Else • In this situation with Mike, its not just Sara who should report the incident, the others who were present also have a responsibility to report Mike’s comments. A culture of mutual respect is only achieved by encouraging club members to report incidents of harassment that they experience or witness – whether they were the target or simply observed it. • Showing respect for others includes speaking up when someone is harassed. Inappropriate Behaviours • Ridiculing, criticizing or joking about someone on the basis of personal characteristics can also be considered harassment. • This is particularly true when it involves protected personal characteristics like race, colour, gender, age, marital status or veteran status. This is inappropriate conduct can create a hostile club environment. • Bullying and threats, whether written, spoken or gestured, will not be tolerated. Consider the effect that your words and actions could have. Think twice before you say or write something you may regret later. Key points • The Club respects individual opinions and contributions, and expects its members do the same. We do not discriminate against anyone, and we do not tolerate harassment of any kind. • Speak up to the Club Directors or Safeguarding Officer if you experience or witness behaviour that is disrespectful. • There will be no retaliation against any club member who makes a harassment report in good faith.
