Bengaluru: The Bangalore molestation has brought the discussion back in public and private spaces, of our women and their safety. Every incident arouses a public consciousness that dies with time,only to be awakened again by another incident. And what is worrisome is that our work space is as unsafe as our public spaces.

The recently conducted survey by the Indian National Bar Association at workplace between April and October 2016, revealed some unexpected figures. From 6047 participants, both male and female, around 38% of the respondents said they faced sexual harassment in the workplace.

And around 69% of the victims did not complain to the management fearing unfavourable repercussions. Also, 65% of the respondents said the company did not follow the guidelines and the process prescribed under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

“The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 defines sexual harassment as laid down by the Supreme Court in Vishakha and others State of Rajasthan (1997) case. And recently, Maneka Gandhi, Women and Child Welfare minister stated that the government will take tough steps against any organisation that do not implement the new law, So. companies are bound by the law, says Sudeshna Saha, HR Allegis.

It is important that organisations talk to their employees about sexual harassment,what it includes. “Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexually determined behavior directly or by implication,” Saha explains. There are organisations that are not helpful and openly flouting the law. “Every organisation should have a checklist whereby the internal complaints committee comprising of unbiased members of the organisation and an external member, should be in place.

In case of a complaint, interim measures should be taken by the organisation before the start of the investigation. Every good organisation will create a safe environment for employees. And I can safely say, we follow the law to the T in SDG India Pvt Ltd,” says Sandhya Kumar, HR.