The Malaysian Bar Council has released a list of offenses considered as sexual harassment in the legal profession.
According to the Malaysian Bar Council, gestures like winking, patting heads, wolf-whistling, and sitting at one’s desk are deemed sexual harassment within the legal field.
Winking and wolf-whistling are considered sexual harassment
In a circular released on January 18th by Harleen Kaur, Chairperson of the Bar Council Ad Hoc Peer Support Network Committee, three distinct types of sexual harassment within the legal profession are outlined, accompanied by illustrative situations.
1. Offering Benefits for Sexual Favors
The circular highlights instances where work-related advantages, such as promotions, connections, or job security, are offered in exchange for personal favors like a date or a hug. Even if presented in a joking manner, this falls under the classic quid pro quo harassment.
2. Unwanted Sexual Advancements:
Colleagues making inappropriate comments, gestures, or engaging in physical contact that creates discomfort or distress, even in jest, are considered inappropriate.
This includes various forms such as visual conduct (suggestive gestures like winks or hand signs), verbal conduct (inappropriate comments on appearance), and physical conduct (wolf whistles, path-blocking, head-patting, or sitting at your own desk for no reason).
3. Sexual Coercion:
Threats of retaliation at the workplace, involving intimidation or threats against an individual for refusing unwanted advances, constitute sexual coercion.
This may include explicit or implicit threats of negative consequences, such as job loss, demotion, or damage to one’s professional reputation if inappropriate requests are rejected.
In light of this, they also recommend individuals who have experienced sexual harassment within the legal workplace to file a complaint through the Peer Support Network.
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