Suva 26 November 2017 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence MYTH Sexual harassment is not an employment issue. FACT Sexual harassment IS an employment issue that needs to be addressed by employers because it can lead to low productivity, increased absenteeism, low workplace morale, and a range of other workplace MYTH Sexual harassment is a new phenomenon, a sign of the times. A policy on sexual harassment will only increase the incidence. FACT Sexual harassment has always occurred but the victims usually remain silent because they fear retaliation. Having a poli MYTH People who object have no sense of humour…they take all the fun out of work. FACT It is neither funny, nor fun, to be subjected to unwanted or offensive behaviour. It is degrading and humiliating, and affects working conditions and careers. MYTH It is not really sexual harassment…it is just a way of giving compliments FACT A person usually feels flattered, not uncomfortable and edgy, when receiving compliments. Remember that it is the recipient who determines whether it is appropriate MYTH Women are to blame. The way they dress these days is asking for trouble. FACT There is no excuse for sexual harassment. MYTH Women actually enjoy being sexually harassed. You cannot change human nature…men and women have always been sexually attracted to each other. FACT Sexual harassment should never be confused with sexual attraction or flirting. Sexual attraction is MYTH: only certain types of people harass other people. FACT: People of ALL types and in all kinds of occupation have been found to be harassers. MYTH If you ignore sexual harassment, it will go away. FACT Harassers often assume that silence means consent and are encouraged by it. Silence does not stop the harassment. 1 0