A lewd remark, an indecent gesture, an uncalled-for touch, hurt feelings or abusive language? Bangaloreans have their say
A lewd remark, an indecent gesture, an uncalled-for touch, hurt feelings or abusive language? Bangaloreans have their say
PRESENTER Hardeep Singh Kohli was forced to go off BBC's The One Show after a female colleague complained of inappropriate behaviour. Kohli, who's also a panelist on the Man Booker Prize selection committee, has apologised unreservedly but insists that "nobody's accused me of sexual harassment".
But going by the Bangalore buzz, sexual harassment means different things to different people. MiD DAY speaks to a cross-section of Bangaloreans and here's what they had to say:
'Modelling is safe'
Anusha, model
I have been modelling for the past four years and feel this field is safe. I haven't come across such a situation. If someone pays a compliment, saying: 'You look hot', it is not sexual harassment. It depends on how individuals take it. If something happens with the consent of the other person, it is not sexual abuse either. But when a person is hurt mentally,u00a0 it is sexual harassment.
'Carry a pepper spray'
Rashmi, RJ, Big 92.7 FM
In today's world, women should be strong and not allow sexual harassment to take place. People passing comments is good to some extent but should not go beyond the limit. When someone tries to physically abuse, we should not spare him. It is better to carry a pepper spray for protection. If a person faces sexual harassment and is keeping quiet, the problem becomes more dangerous. The more you suppress, the more you are in the soup.
'We look for proof'
u00a0A Balaji, HR manager of a private firm
When men and women work in close proximity, they should maintain decency. If a female colleague complains, the human resources (HR) department has to conduct an inquiry. We will have to probe the person's behaviour, find out how he behaves with other colleagues etc. We need proof from the complainant to take action against the victim since complaints are sometimes given only to take revenge. One should also not use abusive language. When someone's feelings are hurt, it becomes sexual harassment.
'We found the complaint was false'
Sharath Chandra, HR manager of a private firm
When people are working together in one office, sexual harassment shouldn't take place.u00a0 When a person uses abusive language against his colleague or hurts their feelings, it is considered sexual harassment. In the company where I worked before, a woman complained against a colleague. We conducted a thorough inquiry and found that the complaint was false. She had complained just to take revenge. We warned her and let her go.
'It can happen even within a marriage'
S Samuel, advocate dealing with family issues
It is considered sexual harassment only when any act is done without a woman's consent, since such things usually happen with women. Even within a marriage, when the husband approaches his wife without her consent, it amounts to sexual harassment.
'A woman keeping quiet is a fool'
Pavitra, RJ, Radio One
If a colleague touches or tries to flirt with bad intentions, it is sexual abuse. Even passing comments and eve-teasing constitute sexual harassment. Guys should not cross the line. Sexual harassment is not only about rape or molestation. Women should learn to protect themselves and raise their voices against such things. A woman facing sexual harassment and keeping quiet is a fool, I should say.
ADVERTISEMENT
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
