What Constitutes Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse is any non-consensual behaviour or action of a sexual nature. Sexual abuse at work can be physical or it can take place verbally or online. In short, sexual abuse is any unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature that causes makes you uncomfortable or upset.
Examples of Sexual Abuse At Work
Sexual abuse in the workplace can range from inappropriate comments that make you uncomfortable to severe physical sexual assault. The following list gives examples of sexual abuse that can take place in the workplace.
- Sex-based comments passed off as banter
- Cat-calling or wolf-whistling
- Groping
- Touching
- Requests for sexual favours
- Sharing explicit messages/videos/photos via email or text
- Exposing oneself
Workplace abusers may pass off their behaviour as harmless, but it is a good idea to report your colleague’s behaviour/actions if it makes you uncomfortable.
How To Report Sexual Abuse At Work?
You should make a record of any sexual abuse or harassment that takes place in the workplace, collect witness statements and any other evidence and report the member of staff to your boss (providing they are not the person committing the sexual abuse). Where a sexual assault has taken place, you may want to report the incident to the police as well as your employer.
If you have been subject to physical sexual abuse in the workplace, help is available. Sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) offer medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused. They have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers to care for you 24 hours a day.
Can I Make A Claim For Sexual Abuse At Work?
You can claim compensation for physical sexual assault, psychiatric damage, and PTSD as a result of sexual abuse at work. The amount of compensation you will receive will depend on the severity of your case. To better understand the claims process, it is best to seek expert advice from an experienced solicitor.
Get In Touch
At TDP Solicitors, we can help you get compensation for the distressing sexual abuse you have experienced in the workplace. If you would like to learn more about the claims process and how much money you could be entitled to, please call 0151 242 5111 for a confidential chat.