Women Take Action Against Abuse in Workplace

Women take action against abuse in the office or workplace.

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Steps for taking action about abuse of women in the office or workplace.

5. Use the "I" technique.

Rather than saying to someone, "Don't scream when you talk to me! Don't repeat over and over the same thing," which will most likely put your interlocutor on the defensive and may start a feud, Dr. Gindes recommends to use the "I" technique. For example, say "I'd appreciate it if you
didn't raise your voice... it makes me feel uncomfortable."

6. Ask help from a third party.

If the one-on-one attempt fails, you might have a third party intervene. Discuss the situation with someone in your office who is preferably in a higher position than you are and whom you trust. Ask him/her to raise the issue with the person with whom you are in conflict. Eventually, the three of you could meet and agree on a solution.

7. Get support.

"Don't isolate yourself. Get witnesses. If you have been mistreated in front of colleagues, ask for their views on the incident. There is safety in number," says Dr. Berger, the author of Incest, Work, and Women.

You might also realize that some of your peers are as miserable as you are.

8. Keep the long-view in mind.

If none of the above attempts proved efficient, you might have to formally report the incidents to your Human Resources Department or to senior level management. However, before doing so, know what you want to achieve.

Do you want the aggressor to be fired?
Do you want to get transferred to another unit?
Do you have witnesses?
Do you have evidence backing you up?
Are you ready to quit?

The bottom line is that you have to take care of yourself.

Think of your needs. They are important. Taking care of them doesn't mean that you are selfish. Although you might be uncomfortable at the beginning and be afraid that others will not like you unless you surrender, keep trying.

For information about occupational hazards including stress in the workplace, contact The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

For help finding a psychologist or consultant in your area, call the American Psychologist Association.

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Copyright � 1997-2008 CyberParent. All rights reserved.

Note: The opinions expressed herein are exclusively those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the position of CyberParent. They are not intended to take the place of advice of a health or other professional whose advice you might need to seek.

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