Verbal and Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is a violation of the integrity of persons based on unequal power relationships and usually on gender. Sexual harassment has been defined as any attempt to coerce an unwilling person into a sexual relationship or to subject a person to unwanted sexual attention or to punish a refusal to comply. It is dehumanizing, and violates our rights as human beings. It leads to alienation and mistrust. It is also against the law.

Complaints of sexual harassment should be taken seriously, and dealt with in a compassionate and just manner. In each congregation, there should be someone to whom you can turn if needed, who will act on any complaint of harassment, with the strictest confidentiality. Harassment must not be tolerated.

If you are, or become the victim of harassment, act. Contact someone with personnel responsibilities in your church hierarchy. Discuss the experience with them, and ask for their assistance in dealing with the offender. If satisfaction is not received and a stronger action is required, you can file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of your province. Such a complaint is protected from reprisals. As a final course of action, you can hire a lawyer and file for civil and/or criminal action.