Sexual Harassment at work

It can start with an inappropriate comment.
A stare. A message. A touch.
And suddenly, your safe workspace no longer feels safe.

If you or someone you know is facing sexual harassment at work, the law protects you — but you must know how to use it.

Here are 5 legal steps every victim should take immediately.

🔒 1. Know What Counts as Sexual Harassment

Under India’s POSH Act (Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act, 2013), harassment isn’t just physical. It includes:

  1. Unwelcome touching, staring, or gestures

  2. Sexual comments, jokes, or emails

  3. Demands for sexual favors (quid pro quo)

  4. Circulating explicit photos or memes

  5. Any act that makes the workplace hostile or uncomfortable

Surprise: Even WhatsApp messages or online meetings count as workplace harassment under this law.

📝 2. Document Everything — Privately

Before reporting, create a secure record of:

  1. Dates, times, and exact details of the incidents

  2. Screenshots of messages, emails, or calls

  3. Names of any witnesses (if any)

  4. Your mental and emotional impact (journal it)

Why it matters: Your words are valid, but documentation makes your case stronger and harder to ignore.

⚖️ 3. File a Complaint With the Internal Committee (IC)

Every company with more than 10 employees must have an Internal Committee (IC) to handle such complaints.

Steps:

  1. File a written complaint within 3 months of the incident

  2. Submit it to the IC or HR

  3. You can ask for a female IC member or external member (a lawyer, NGO rep)

No IC at your company? That itself is illegal. You can directly approach the Local Complaints Committee (LCC) run by the District Officer.

💼 4. You Have the Right to These Protections

While your case is under inquiry, you can request:

  1. Paid leave during investigation

  2. Change in department or location

  3. Protection from retaliation or threats

POSH Rule: Retaliating against a woman for complaining is itself an offense.

🚔 5. You Can Also File a Police Case (IPC Sections)

If the harassment involves physical assault, threats, or stalking, you don’t need to stop at internal complaints.

You can also file a criminal FIR under:

  1. Section 354A IPC – Sexual harassment

  2. Section 354D IPC – Stalking

  3. Section 509 IPC – Words or gestures intended to insult modesty

  4. Section 506 IPC – Criminal intimidation

Visit the nearest police station or file online at cybercrime.gov.in

🧠 Final Thought: The Law Is on Your Side

You don’t need to “adjust.” You don’t need to “stay quiet.”
India’s POSH law was made for you — and you have every right to demand safety and dignity at work.

Speak up. Act. Report.
Because silence protects the abuser. But action protects the future.

📞 Helplines & Resources:

  1. Women Helpline (India): 1091

  2. NCW WhatsApp: +91 72177 35372

  3. Free Legal Aid (NALSA): nalsa.gov.in

  4. Cyber Crime Portal (for online harassment): cybercrime.gov.in