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Seuxal Harrassment - steps to take

  • 25-04-2008 11:06am
    #1
    faceman
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Entertainment Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators Posts: 16,663 CMod ✭✭✭✭


    Despite my years in managment ive never had to directly (thankfully) deal with a case like this. Im looking for some words of guidance from someone, be it a manager or an individual who has gone through it rather than run of the mill advice please.

    My friend (we dont work together) was recently sexuall assaulted at a conference she attended. She was her company representative at the conference, and its a regular event.

    It wasnt attempted rape of anything like that but it was an indecent act. The ins and outs arent relevent now for the purposes of this query.

    Anyway, the event organisers picked up that something was not right and after checking with my friend, they asked the individual in question to leave.

    After a bit of persuasion, my friend made a formal complaint through her HR team. Long story short, there has been some pushback as you might expect from the individuals company and his HR person now wants to meet my friend who will be accompanied by her HR person.

    This is where i have the problem. from what she has told me, the other company arent being very open to her complaint. Im debating whether my friend should have a solicitor present, but maybe im being over protective.

    While no harm came to my friend as a result of the event, this bloke cant be allowed get away scott free to do it again, or worse.

    So has anyone been in a similar situation that can advise on best course of action?


Comments

  • #2
    the_syco
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37,316 ✭✭✭✭the_syco


    faceman wrote: »
    his HR person
    Read: his solicitor. Tell your friend to bring their solicitor along.


  • #3
    Electric
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 541 ✭✭✭Electric


    Definitely tell your friend to bring her solicitor. The HR reps will be there to look after the companies interests and not your friends. Even if she decides not to use a solicitor she would be well advised to seek a legal opinion before the meeting.


  • #4
    The Hill Billy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,817 ✭✭✭✭The Hill Billy


    faceman - She should definitely have a solicitor present. The issue has become clouded by the fact that the assault happened at a function where both companies were represented.

    However, the crux of the matter is that it is not an assault by one company employee on another company employee. This was an assault by one individual upon another individual.

    At the end of the day your friend's HR representative will be there to protect the company's interests. While this may also be the same interests as your friend - that is not guaranteed. You friend really should have an independent legal advisor present to look out for her interests alone.

    BTW - I hope she's OK.


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