I recently sat through a conduct case involving alleged sexual harassment. It was easily the most difficult GSCC hearing I've reported on. Four women claimed they had been harassed for ten years by a director of the company they worked for. Three of them were so traumatised by what they say happened to them they had to give their evidence from behind a screen. The hearing was adjourned several times when they became too distressed to continue giving evidence.
It was striking that none of the women had recognised for many years that what they say happened to them was in fact sexual harassment. Unfortunately, the company, a private sector children's provider, did not have a sexual harassment policy. In effect, these women felt they had nowhere to turn.
A staggering 52 per cent of readers who responded to our web poll said they had also been sexually harassed at work. Are you one of them? If so, would you be willing to share you story (your identity will be protected) with others who may be experiencing the same thing? I'm putting together a practical piece to help people who may be suffering harassment day in and day out. By sharing your first-hand account of what it is like to go through such an experience, you may be able to help others. Please contact me at sally.gillen@rbi.co.uk.