Your Safety is the Priority

Danger In the Workplace

Safety and security are some of the first things we want in life. Whether it be at home, on the street, or even at work, we expect others to treat us with respect. Sadly, professionalism – nay, common decency – is too tall an order for some in the population. According to this research performed by Hiscox, a third of workers feel they have been harassed in the workplace, whether it be by superiors, fellow employees, or even customers. This abhorrent conduct is often overlooked or covered up, a fact that many cannot stand to accept.

What makes the above statistic even worse is that 50% of those harassment cases consisted of sexual misconduct. Put shortly, a whole sixth of workers have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, a number that is far too great to be ignored. Sadly, 40% of all workplace harassment goes unreported, similar to recent statistics showing one-third of all sexual assault goes unreported nationwide. Even when it is reported, more than a third find the result of their courage unsatisfying.

Distressingly, Hiscox also found that 36% of organizations do not provide anti-sexual harassment training of any kind. This training can teach what constitutes sexual harassment, the legal repercussions of sexual harassment, and what kind of behaviors are inappropriate at work. Without this training, many may be unaware they are being harassed at all.

Some places do require this training by law. California sexual harassment trainings legislation includes other preventative measures such as requiring posters to be placed in the workplace that inform employees of the definition, description, and illegality of sexual harassment. New York State’s training laws also require employers to provide information addressing conduct performed by employers themselves.

Even with these measures, however, sexual harassment is still a regrettably common issue, for people of all ages or genders. You might believe yourself in some sort of “safe” demographic, but you’re not. Seniority and qualification mean nothing to those who are willing to harass you, so keep your guard up and don’t hesitate to report that kind of misconduct.

The danger is not limited to your office, either. With how often sexual assault occurs outside the workplace, it is important to learn how you can safeguard yourself no matter where you are.

Tips to Avoid Danger

I’m sure many women out there already know to carry pepper spray. As atrocious as it is that this is a semi-requirement to simply live safely, a single can of spray could save your life. Tasers and pocketknives are also invaluable, though the latter might be restricted depending on what State you live in. Rape whistles can also help if you’re in a crowded area and your phone’s quick emergency dial is an undervalued tool. You can find items like these at https://www.amazon.com/Womens-Personal-Safety-Products/s?k=Women%27s+Personal+Safety+Products.

Other than weapons or tools you can use, there is also more general advice you can follow. Do not leave the house unaccompanied at night, when drinking, or through dangerous areas. Safety in numbers is a legitimate strategy no matter how strong you are, so group up if you’re unsure.

Avoiding alleyways and shortcuts is also generally a good idea. Even if you have traveled through a specific alley multiple times, you never know if some dangerous sort has made their way to your favored cut-through. Running a few minutes late to work is preferable to potentially being assaulted, after all.

General awareness and gut instinct are also important factors in avoiding danger. If your attention is on your phone, you may not notice incoming danger. And if something in your gut is telling you to look behind you or run, it’s probably best to do so. More often than not your instincts are right, so listen to them when they say you’re in danger.

Do not trust strangers. That sounds like a no-brainer, but a lot of criminals will threaten you with weapons or will try to appeal to you, so you lower your guard and comply. Even if someone tells you they mean no harm, it’s better to err on the side of caution. Those who are willing to skirt the law are often liars.

Your Safety is the Priority

Above all else, you are the only one who can protect you. While it sucks that people out there are willing to hurt others, it is an unavoidable truth. Sexual harassment and assault are all too common, and victims suffer for more than just the instant of the crime.

Your safety always comes first: before work, before a meeting between friends, before any potential legal repercussions. Your boss might threaten to fire you if you file a complaint against them, but do not bend. Your friends may be upset you’re late to the get-together, but at least you arrived at all. The police even arrest you for defending yourself, but the courts will hear you out. Spare no expense or effort to keep yourself secure from sexual harassment, and you can rest well knowing you’re safe.