On the street
People who shout obscenities, whisper unwanted endearments or make obscene gestures may be capable of physical violence. The best response is to ignore them completely and keepmoving to a safe, well-lit place. If the offender pursues you, call the police.
If you are constantly harassed at a particular building site, contact the contractor or the company constructing the building and put in a complaint.
At work
Confront the harasser. Appeal to his or her professionalism and make it clear that you object to the advances. If they continue, send your tormentor a letter by recorded delivery, expressing your feelings and mentioning that such behaviour is against the law and that you may make an official complaint.
Keep a dated, written record of all incidents. Save all notes, letters and your recorded postal delivery receipts
If necessary, file a written complaint with your employer. Most firms have a recognised grievance procedure with 'in-house' Equal Opportunities officers whose priority is to see you immediately. If the problem can't be solved in-house, and sometimes it can't, then your complaint may have to go to an Industrial Tribunal. This has to be within 3 months of the complaint being made.
The main legal statute covering sexual harassment is the Sex Discrimination Act of 1974. This is further reinforced by EC legislation which deals with verbal and physical conduct.
If you're a union member, your representative may handle the problem for you, but there can be a divided loyalty if he also represents the person complained about. If so, contact the Central Office of Industrial Tribunals, and the Equal Opportunities Commission,.
In a block of flats
If a building employee is harassing you, send a letter of complaint to the landlord, the caretaker and the managing agent; keep a copy. If nothing is done or if one of the above is the problem, contact the local police.
Document your case meticulously; write down exactly who said what to whom and when, and keep a note of any witnesses that were present while you were being harassed.
Talk to your neighbours; if it is happening to others, perhaps you can take action as a group and give each other moral support.
