Can you tell a pet from a pat?

Penguin Canada's ex-CEO David Davidar was sacked following allegations of sexual harassment by a colleague. FYI spoke to experts, celebs and Mumbai professionals about how one should deal with this sexual minefield

Sexual harassment in the workplace continues to be a taboo subject, despite movies being made and books being written on the subject. But what is it that pushes people to sabotage work relationships and jeopardise their own career by engaging in sexually inappropriate behaviour and illicit affairs in the office?

"Occupying a position of power makes a person feel invincible," says corporate trainer Anita Shantaram, adding that the dynamics of modern working life also contribute to the issue. "Society has changed. An increasing number of women are working alongside men for long hours, travelling together on assignments and even socialising post office hours."



Besides, it doesn't help that city life can be alienating. "There is more loneliness. Couple this with a greater acceptance about sex and you have people getting attracted to people they wouldn't normally be attracted to," says Anita.

Her advice to women and men wishing to ward off unwanted attention and spurn sexual advances is, "Show your displeasure towards the behaviour right from the beginning. If the person does not get the point, escalate the matter to superiors or file a complaint at the nearest police station."

It also helps to have supportive colleagues, who know about the incident, and can back you, especially if the boss is very powerful. "If all methods fail, leave the organisation rather than put up with mental rape," advises Anita.

It helps also to store SMSes, emails and letters that can later on be used as evidence. "It is best to engage in love affairs outside the workplace," says Anita, adding, "If you absolutely must have an affair, be discrete, exercise caution, and do not confide in fellow colleagues."

Love, sex and dhokha?
Author and former CEO of Penguin Canada, David Davidar (52), recently made headlines when he resigned early last month, saying that he wished to return to India and concentrate on writing. The very next day, Lisa Rundle, former director of Rights and Contracts at Penguin Canada, slapped a USD 523,000 lawsuit against Davidar and the company alleging sexual harassment and wrongful dismissal. Her statement blamed Davidar for sexually harassing her over a period of three years and assaulting her during the Frankfurt Book Fair. She claimed that Davidar arrived outside her hotel room in Frankfurt "wearing an undone shirt, pushed his way inside and forced his tongue down her mouth". Following her allegation, another former employee, Samantha Francis, pressed sexual harassment charges on Davidar, only to withdraw them soon after.

'Sexual harassment cases are handled arbitrarily'
Flavia Agnes, women's rights lawyer

The Vishakha guidelines were issued in 1997, when women's groups petitioned the Supreme Court (SC) after the gang rape of Bhanwari Devi, a social worker from Rajasthan.

The guidelines insist on companies drafting an individual code of conduct. On June 18 of this year, a draft bill was introduced that sought to penalise companies that did not have a sexual harassment complaints panel.
According to the SC, sexual harassment need not be physical; it can also be a demand or request for sexual favours, sexually coloured remarks, showing pornography or any other unwelcome physical,
verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature.

But in the absence of a fixed law, it is handled arbitrarily by companies, which needs to change. If women are harassed, they can complain to the HR, who has to create a panel (which must include an outside person) to evaluate the claims. Since the management can be hand-in-glove with the accused, the victim can file a court case and demand damages. However, the law does not yet make provisions for men.

What would you do?
There's no point in sticking around
Geetha Nair (24), sub-editor with a communications agency
If I am ever faced with such a situation, I would speak to my superior, provided he/ she is an understanding person. But if things didn't work out after that, I would look for a new job. There's no point in sticking around as it ruins the office atmosphere and things become uncomfortable after complaining about someone.

The perpetrators should pay
Jithesh Jayaprakash (27), senior account executive at an ad agency
After evaluating the consequences, I would make it known to the management and then approach the media. People should speak up on such issues to create awareness so that the perpetrators do not go unpunished. But it is tougher for a guy to speak up as the sympathy factor lies with the woman.

Know your rights and speak up!
Tanushree Dutta, actor
Such incidents can be very emotionally draining and cause serious mental trauma to the person who has to go through it. It's important to know what sexual harassment entails and to be aware of one's rights, so that one is better equipped to handle such situations. Report the incident to the HR department. If no action is taken, it leaves the harasser free to do it to someone else.

Learn the wung chow technique
Cyrus Sahukar, VJ
I usually find myself working alone on a show where the only person to harass is myself. The sexual energy between me and my work mates is equal to that of a grape and a pineapple. If faced with such a situation, I would use the Wung Chow technique, which in layman's terms would mean throwing a cup of hot water on the assailant.