FAQs
Sexual Harassment
- What about really personal issues like sexual harassment?
These days there are more rules, regulations, and laws dealing with sexual discrimination and sexual harassment, than any other employment issue. Sexual harassment lawsuits show no sign of letting up. In fact, they are still increasing. What was once considered to be acceptable behavior may well be construed as sexual harassment.
Harassment is often a matter of miscommunication, someone being unaware, different personalities or cultural expectations. Even when the harassment is intentional, with proper mediation, it can usually be stopped in a satisfactory manner. - So how does mediation end sexual harassment without somebody getting hurt, offended or punished?
Regardless of what else, the complainant’s first priority is for the offending behavior to stop. The first option is usually to speak directly to the other party. However for various reasons that may not always be an option, In fact, it may have even made things worse. So the complainant may only see two choices: go through the process of a formal complaint and investigation, or do nothing.
Mediation can provide a safe, non-judgmental and neutral environment setting in which the complainant can accomplish the primary aim of stopping the behavior. As mediation is totally confidential, absolutely no one else will know the specifics of the understanding that was reached.
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