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	<title>#createsafeworkplaces Archives - Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Inclusive Diversity, Employee Assistance Program | CecureUs | Chennai</title>
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	<title>#createsafeworkplaces Archives - Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Inclusive Diversity, Employee Assistance Program | CecureUs | Chennai</title>
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		<title>SafeSpace Podcast &#8211; Normalizing Mental Health Conversations</title>
		<link>https://cecureus.com/safespace-podcast-normalizing-mental-health-conversations/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Niharika]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Nov 2024 10:42:26 +0000</pubDate>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Views: 0 &#8220;Breaking the Taboo: Insights on Mental Health from Viji and Dr. Ambika Warrier for World Mental Health Awareness&#8221;...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cecureus.com/safespace-podcast-normalizing-mental-health-conversations/">SafeSpace Podcast &#8211; Normalizing Mental Health Conversations</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cecureus.com">Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Inclusive Diversity, Employee Assistance Program | CecureUs | Chennai</a>.</p>
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			</div><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12255" src="https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/podcast-pic.jpg" alt="" width="1080" height="1080" srcset="https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/podcast-pic.jpg 1080w, https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/podcast-pic-300x300.jpg 300w, https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/podcast-pic-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/podcast-pic-150x150.jpg 150w, https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/podcast-pic-768x768.jpg 768w, https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/podcast-pic-100x100.jpg 100w, https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/podcast-pic-140x140.jpg 140w, https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/podcast-pic-500x500.jpg 500w, https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/podcast-pic-350x350.jpg 350w, https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/podcast-pic-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/podcast-pic-800x800.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" />
<p><strong>&#8220;Breaking the Taboo: Insights on Mental Health from Viji and Dr. Ambika Warrier for World Mental Health Awareness&#8221;</strong></p>
<p>In this thought-provoking podcast episode, hosted by <strong>Viji</strong>, author of <em>Break the Taboo</em>, the spotlight shines on the importance of <strong>normalizing mental health discussions</strong>. This dialogue is particularly relevant following <strong>World Mental Health Day</strong> in October, as awareness of mental well-being grows, yet stigma persists. By fostering open conversations, we can help break down barriers, build empathy, and create a supportive network.</p>
<p><strong>Bringing Mental Health into Everyday Conversations</strong></p>
<p>The episode features <strong>Dr. Ambika Warrier</strong>, a seasoned expert in <strong>Parenting and Career Counseling</strong> with over 20 years of experience. Founder of the <strong>Aananda Centre for Counseling</strong>, Dr. Ambika is dedicated to promoting positivity, impacting countless lives and organizations.</p>
<p><strong>Dr. Ambika’s Journey in Mental Health</strong></p>
<p>Driven by a passion for helping others, Dr. Ambika embarked on her mental health journey with a focus on offering practical support to those facing daily challenges. Her dedication to this field reflects her unwavering commitment to making mental health resources accessible and impactful.</p>
<p><strong>Reflecting on World Mental Health Day</strong></p>
<p><strong>World Mental Health Day</strong> holds special meaning for Dr. Ambika, as it emphasizes that mental well-being is a core aspect of overall health. She believes this day serves as a timely reminder to manage stress, preventing it from impacting physical health. Viji adds that World Mental Health Day can inspire individuals to address the stigma and seek necessary support.</p>
<p>With mental health becoming more visible, both <strong>employees and employers</strong> are now recognizing the importance of setting boundaries to avoid burnout, a crucial factor in maintaining workplace well-being.</p>
<p><strong>Addressing Mental Health in Corporate Settings</strong></p>
<p>Workplaces with high expectations can contribute to <strong>employee burnout</strong> and stress. Dr. Ambika explains that managing <strong>mental health in corporate environments</strong> requires a balance between work demands and self-care. She emphasizes that <strong>HR leaders</strong> and <strong>managers</strong> should stay vigilant, offering support when signs of burnout emerge. Practices like <strong>mental health breaks</strong> help mitigate the effects of constant pressure.</p>
<p><strong>Common Mental Health Challenges and Counseling Approaches</strong></p>
<p><strong>Anxiety, depression, workplace stress,</strong> and <strong>sleep issues</strong> often bring individuals to counseling. Dr. Ambika encourages clients to view work as part of life, not life itself, advising them to set boundaries for a balanced, fulfilling lifestyle. She emphasizes that mental health is a continuous journey, requiring consistent effort and self-care.</p>
<p><strong>Debunking Myths Around Mental Health</strong></p>
<p>Dr. Ambika addresses common misconceptions, shedding light on the realities behind these myths:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Myth #1</strong>: Mental health struggles signify weakness.<br />
<em>Fact</em>: Mental health issues are real challenges, not weaknesses. Seeking help is a sign of resilience.</li>
<li><strong>Myth #2</strong>: People with mental health issues are dangerous.<br />
<em>Fact</em>: This stereotype stems from fear, not reality. People facing mental health challenges need empathy, not judgment.</li>
<li><strong>Myth #3</strong>: Individuals can simply &#8220;snap out&#8221; of mental health struggles.<br />
<em>Fact</em>: Mental health conditions often require professional treatment, not just willpower.</li>
<li><strong>Myth #4</strong>: Mental health is less serious than physical health.<br />
<em>Fact</em>: Mental health issues can have severe implications and often affect physical health.</li>
<li><strong>Myth #5</strong>: Mental health challenges are a sign of laziness.<br />
<em>Fact</em>: Managing mental health requires effort and resilience, disproving any association with laziness.</li>
<li><strong>Myth #6</strong>: Mental health issues resolve on their own.<br />
<em>Fact</em>: Support and guidance are often essential for recovery, demonstrating the importance of seeking help.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Recognizing Signs and Offering Support in the Workplace</strong></p>
<p>Recognizing signs of mental distress—such as mood changes or withdrawal—is crucial. Dr. Ambika recommends regular check-ins with colleagues, noting that these efforts build trust and create a culture of support. Structured interactions, like <strong>skip-level meetings</strong>, enable safe conversations between employees and leaders, fostering openness.</p>
<p><strong>The Importance of Genuine Listening</strong></p>
<p><strong>Active listening</strong> can make a world of difference, as individuals often need to feel heard. Genuine listening demonstrates empathy, helping to build a more compassionate workplace culture.</p>
<p><strong>Creating a Supportive Workplace Culture</strong></p>
<p>Beyond policies, a supportive workplace culture relies on action. Dr. Ambika emphasizes that initiatives promoting <strong>mental health awareness</strong> contribute to a more positive work environment, showing employees that their well-being is valued.</p>
<p><strong>Stories of Support: Managers Making a Difference</strong></p>
<p>Dr. Ambika shares instances where managers positively impacted employees simply by listening. One story highlights an employee finding solace in speaking with a manager outside their direct team, illustrating the importance of <strong>approachable leaders</strong> in fostering trust.</p>
<p><strong>Rapid-Fire Insights on Mental Health and Wellness</strong></p>
<p>In a quick Q&amp;A, Dr. Ambika shares actionable tips for mental well-being:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Daily stress relief</strong>: Practice conscious breathing.</li>
<li><strong>Listening without judgment</strong>: Sometimes, being a good listener is enough.</li>
<li><strong>Recognizing unintentional stress caused to others</strong>: Notice avoidance and reflect on your impact.</li>
<li><strong>Boosting mental wellness</strong>: Consistency and discipline are key.</li>
<li><strong>Checking in on a friend</strong>: Regular communication helps friends feel safe and supported.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p>
<p>This engaging conversation with <strong>Viji</strong> and <strong>Dr. Ambika Warrier</strong> highlights essential insights for mental health awareness and wellness. In today’s fast-paced world, nurturing human connection remains invaluable. Demonstrating genuine care at work has a lasting positive effect on individuals and teams. For those seeking support, visit <a href="https://eap.cecureus.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>eap.cecureus.com</strong></a> or call the <strong>helpline at 1800 121 9497</strong>.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cecureus.com/safespace-podcast-normalizing-mental-health-conversations/">SafeSpace Podcast &#8211; Normalizing Mental Health Conversations</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cecureus.com">Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Inclusive Diversity, Employee Assistance Program | CecureUs | Chennai</a>.</p>
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		<title>Addressing the Intersection of Disability and Mental Health</title>
		<link>https://cecureus.com/addressing-the-intersection-of-disability-and-mental-health/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Niharika]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 Aug 2024 09:27:24 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://cecureus.com/?p=12058</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Views: 0 Addressing the Intersection of Disability and Mental Health The intersection of disability and mental health is a significant...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cecureus.com/addressing-the-intersection-of-disability-and-mental-health/">Addressing the Intersection of Disability and Mental Health</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cecureus.com">Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Inclusive Diversity, Employee Assistance Program | CecureUs | Chennai</a>.</p>
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			</div><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12059" src="https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/WhatsApp-Image-2024-08-30-at-12.38.17-scaled.jpeg" alt="" width="2560" height="1700" srcset="https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/WhatsApp-Image-2024-08-30-at-12.38.17-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/WhatsApp-Image-2024-08-30-at-12.38.17-300x199.jpeg 300w, https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/WhatsApp-Image-2024-08-30-at-12.38.17-1024x680.jpeg 1024w, https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/WhatsApp-Image-2024-08-30-at-12.38.17-768x510.jpeg 768w, https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/WhatsApp-Image-2024-08-30-at-12.38.17-1536x1020.jpeg 1536w, https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/WhatsApp-Image-2024-08-30-at-12.38.17-2048x1360.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />
<p><strong>Addressing the Intersection of Disability and Mental Health</strong></p>
<p>The intersection of disability and mental health is a significant yet often overlooked area. Individuals with disabilities frequently face unique challenges that impact their mental well-being, necessitating support from both allies and organizations to foster a supportive environment. Addressing these issues and implementing effective strategies is crucial for promoting an inclusive and equitable society.</p>
<p>In India, the interplay between disability and mental health is often overshadowed by other public health concerns. However, for many individuals with disability, daily life is a struggle with both physical and mental health challenges, compounded by social and systemic barriers. Addressing the mental health needs of individuals with disability is not just a matter of healthcare but also of human rights and social justice. By understanding the unique pressures faced by this community, we can begin to develop more effective support systems and policies to promote their well-being.</p>
<p><strong>The Current State of Mental Health Among Disabled Individuals in India</strong></p>
<p>Research highlights that individuals with disabilities in India experience higher rates of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress compared to the general population. A study published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry found that individuals with intellectual disabilities have higher rates of psychiatric disorders compared to their non-disabled peers. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and various universities have corroborated these findings, indicating that the lack of supportive infrastructure and pervasive social stigma exacerbate these issues.</p>
<p><strong>Challenges Faced by Disabled Individuals and the Impact on Mental Health</strong></p>
<p><strong>Stigma and Stereotypes</strong></p>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li><strong>Societal Biases:</strong> Disabled individuals frequently encounter pervasive societal stigma and stereotypes. They are often infantilized, perceived as lacking ability, or viewed as inferior and helpless. These negative perceptions lead to marginalization and discrimination, resulting in social exclusion, limited opportunities in education and employment, and inadequate access to healthcare. Constant exposure to such biases significantly impacts their self-esteem and mental health, fostering feelings of isolation and inadequacy. This environment contributes to the development of depressive disorders, anxiety, and suicidal ideations, creating a cycle of emotional and psychological distress.</li>
<li><strong>Story-based Example:</strong> <strong>Emily</strong>, a talented software developer with cerebral palsy, is often underestimated by her colleagues. Despite her proven expertise, she finds herself excluded from key projects, with her abilities consistently questioned. Over time, this exclusion erodes her confidence, leading to severe anxiety and self-doubt. She begins to dread going to work, feeling like she has to prove herself repeatedly, even though her work consistently outshines that of her peers. This persistent stress contributes to Emily developing depression, impacting both her professional and personal life.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Accessibility Barriers</strong></p>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li><strong>Physical and Technological Limitations:</strong> Physical, social, and technological barriers can restrict the access of individuals with disabilities to essential services, including education, job opportunities, and healthcare. Inaccessible environments, lack of adaptive technologies, and inadequate transportation options can prevent disabled individuals from seeking and receiving the support they need.</li>
<li><strong>Case Scenario:</strong> <strong>Michael</strong>, who is visually impaired, struggles with navigating his university campus due to the lack of braille signs and accessible online materials. While his classmates easily access the digital resources provided, Michael must rely on outdated technologies that only partially meet his needs. These barriers not only hinder his academic performance but also cause him immense frustration and anxiety. The constant struggle to access information leads Michael to feel isolated and overwhelmed, affecting his overall mental health and academic success.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Healthcare Disparities</strong></p>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li><strong>Gaps in Service Provision:</strong> Disabled individuals often encounter disparities in healthcare, including mental health services. Misdiagnosis, inadequate treatment options, and a lack of specialized care can exacerbate mental health issues. Moreover, the intersectionality of disability with other factors like race, gender, and socioeconomic status can further compound these disparities.</li>
<li><strong>Case Scenario:</strong> <strong>Sara</strong>, a woman with a hearing impairment, visits her local clinic for anxiety treatment. However, the clinic lacks staff who are trained in sign language, leading to miscommunication about her symptoms. Consequently, Sara is misdiagnosed and prescribed medication that worsens her condition. The lack of accessible mental health services leaves Sara feeling helpless and frustrated, worsening her anxiety and causing her to lose trust in the healthcare system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Financial Instability</strong></p>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li><strong>Economic Barriers:</strong> Many disabled individuals face significant financial challenges due to limited employment opportunities and the additional costs associated with their disabilities, such as medical expenses, assistive devices, and specialized care. Financial instability can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression, as individuals struggle to meet basic needs while managing their health.</li>
<li><strong>Case Scenario:</strong> <strong>Carlos</strong>, who has multiple sclerosis, faces mounting medical bills that his insurance only partially covers. Despite being highly qualified, he struggles to find stable employment due to workplace discrimination. The financial strain of paying for medication, therapy, and daily living expenses overwhelms Carlos, leading to severe anxiety and depression. He feels trapped in a cycle of poverty and poor health, with no clear way out.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Social Isolation</strong></p>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li><strong>Lack of Social Support:</strong> Disabled individuals often experience social isolation due to physical barriers, lack of accessible social spaces, and societal stigma. This isolation can lead to loneliness, depression, and a decline in overall mental health, as individuals are deprived of meaningful social interactions and support networks.</li>
<li><strong>Case Scenario:</strong> <strong>Aisha</strong>, who uses a wheelchair, finds it difficult to participate in social activities with her friends due to inaccessible venues and transportation. Over time, her friends stop inviting her to gatherings, assuming she won’t be able to attend. The growing isolation leaves Aisha feeling lonely and disconnected, leading to a deep sense of sadness and hopelessness. Without a strong social network, her mental health deteriorates, making it even harder for her to reach out for help.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Legislative and Policy Framework</strong></p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Mental Healthcare Act, 2017</strong>
<ul>
<li><strong>Focus on Inclusion</strong>: The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, seeks to provide mental health care and services for all individuals, including those with disabilities. It emphasizes the rights of people with mental health issues to access treatment and live with dignity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016</strong>
<ul>
<li><strong>Protecting Rights</strong>: This Act aims to protect the rights of disabled individuals and ensure their inclusion and participation in society. It mandates accessibility in public buildings and transport, and provides for special education and employment opportunities.<strong> </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>Moving Forward</strong></p>
<p>Addressing the intersection of disability and mental health in India requires a multi-faceted approach. Enhancing accessibility, combating stigma, and improving mental health services are key to building an inclusive society. Legislative action and awareness are essential for creating a more equitable environment.</p>
<p><strong>For Corporates:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Inclusive Policies:</strong> Ensure accessibility and accommodations for disabled employees.</li>
<li><strong>Mental Health Support:</strong> Provide tailored mental health resources and train staff to recognize and address mental distress.</li>
<li><strong>Awareness:</strong> Regularly conduct training to break stereotypes and foster inclusion.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>For Individuals:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Advocate:</strong> Speak out against discrimination and support accessibility.</li>
<li><strong>Educate:</strong> Learn and share knowledge about the challenges faced by disabled individuals.</li>
<li><strong>Support:</strong> Be mindful of mental health needs and encourage seeking help.</li>
</ul>
<p>Together, we can create a society where disabled persons are fully supported in their mental health.</p>
<p>Please reach out to us for any queries on Addressing the Intersection of Disability and Mental Health.</p>
<p>For more blogs and articles, visit our <a href="https://cecureus.com/">official website</a>. <a href="https://cecureus.com/contact-us/">Contact us</a> for workshops and queries related to <a href="https://cecureus.com/prevention-of-sexual-harassment/">POSH</a>, <a href="https://cecureus.com/cecureus-provides-employee-assistance-programs-in-chennai-bangalore-pune-hyderabad-mumbai-delhi-kolkata-india/">EAP (Employee Assistance Program)</a> , <a href="https://cecureus.com/inclusive-diversity/">Diversity and Inclusion</a> and <a href="https://cecureus.com/code-of-conduct/">Code Of Conduct</a>.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cecureus.com/addressing-the-intersection-of-disability-and-mental-health/">Addressing the Intersection of Disability and Mental Health</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cecureus.com">Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Inclusive Diversity, Employee Assistance Program | CecureUs | Chennai</a>.</p>
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		<title>Sexual Harassment of Persons with Disabilities in the Workplace</title>
		<link>https://cecureus.com/sexual-harassment-of-persons-with-disabilities-in-the-workplace/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Niharika]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 02 Jul 2024 12:10:15 +0000</pubDate>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Views: 0 Women and girls with disabilities face a heightened risk of sexual violence, and the workplace is no exception....</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cecureus.com/sexual-harassment-of-persons-with-disabilities-in-the-workplace/">Sexual Harassment of Persons with Disabilities in the Workplace</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cecureus.com">Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Inclusive Diversity, Employee Assistance Program | CecureUs | Chennai</a>.</p>
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			</div><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-11967" src="https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1603ef13-e696-4c39-acf7-d6eff8df8f4a.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="800" srcset="https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1603ef13-e696-4c39-acf7-d6eff8df8f4a.jpg 1200w, https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1603ef13-e696-4c39-acf7-d6eff8df8f4a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1603ef13-e696-4c39-acf7-d6eff8df8f4a-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1603ef13-e696-4c39-acf7-d6eff8df8f4a-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1603ef13-e696-4c39-acf7-d6eff8df8f4a-900x600.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Women and girls with disabilities face a heightened risk of sexual violence, and the workplace is no exception. This vulnerability is exacerbated by the nature of their disabilities, which often hinder their ability to escape or report abuse. Physical disabilities can limit mobility, making it difficult to flee from dangerous situations. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing may be unable to call for help or communicate abuse effectively. Additionally, individuals with intellectual or psychosocial disabilities might not recognize nonconsensual sexual acts as crimes due to a lack of accessible information.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Access to justice and support in the workplace is particularly challenging for women and girls with disabilities. The stigma associated with both their sexuality and disability often results in inadequate support throughout their experiences in the workplace. This lack of support can deter them from reporting abuse or seeking help. As Lalitha Kumaramangalam, former chairwoman of the National Commission for Women, stated, “One of the biggest challenges for women [with disabilities] is access [to services], not just physical but access across the board.”</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">To address these challenges, legislative amendments have introduced several provisions to safeguard the rights of women and girls with disabilities and facilitate their participation in workplace processes. These provisions include:</p>
<ul style="font-weight: 400;">
<li><strong>Recording Statements</strong>: Women and girls with disabilities have the right to record their statements in a safe and comfortable environment within the workplace.</li>
<li><strong>Support During Processes</strong>: They are entitled to assistance from an interpreter or support person during the recording of complaints and throughout any internal investigations or hearings.</li>
<li><strong>Accommodations for Communication</strong>: This includes access to sign-language interpretation, the presence of a special educator, the use of simple language, and the option to file reports in braille.</li>
</ul>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Despite these legal protections, support is often inadequate in many workplaces. Many organizations lack the training and resources required to handle such cases effectively, which is a significant barrier to justice. Although the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) and the 2013 amendments mandate these accommodations, they are frequently not implemented within corporate policies and procedures.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, adopted by India’s parliament in December 2016, marks a significant step forward. This act protects all persons with disabilities from abuse, violence, and exploitation, and outlines specific measures for appropriate workplace accommodations and support.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">While these legislative measures are critical, there is still much work to be done to reform workplace policies and ensure equal access to justice for women and girls with disabilities who are survivors of sexual violence. These cases should no longer remain in the shadows. By continuing to advocate for and implement necessary reforms, we can help ensure that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, can work in a safe and supportive environment.</p>
<h3>Tips for the Internal Committee (IC)</h3>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">The Internal Committee (IC) plays a crucial role in addressing and preventing sexual harassment in the workplace. Here are some tips for the IC to effectively support persons with disabilities:</p>
<ol style="font-weight: 400;">
<li><strong>Understand the Needs of Disabled Employees</strong>: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the specific needs and challenges faced by employees with disabilities. This can be achieved through training sessions and consultations with disability rights experts.</li>
<li><strong>Provide Accessible Reporting Mechanisms</strong>: Ensure that all reporting mechanisms are accessible to employees with disabilities. This includes providing options for verbal, written, and digital reports, as well as ensuring that all forms are available in accessible formats such as braille and easy-to-read language.</li>
<li><strong>Ensure Confidentiality and Privacy</strong>: Maintain strict confidentiality of all complaints and ensure that the privacy of complainants is protected throughout the investigation process. This is crucial to encourage reporting and protect the dignity of the complainants.</li>
<li><strong>Offer Support Services</strong>: Provide necessary support services, such as counseling and legal assistance, to employees with disabilities who report harassment. This support should be tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual.</li>
<li><strong>Train Committee Members</strong>: Regularly train IC members on disability rights, the specific challenges faced by employees with disabilities, and the best practices for handling complaints from disabled individuals. This will help ensure a sensitive and informed approach to each case.</li>
<li><strong>Collaborate with Disability Experts</strong>: Include disability rights experts or advocates as part of the IC or as external consultants. Their expertise can provide valuable insights and guidance in handling cases involving employees with disabilities.</li>
<li><strong>Monitor and Review Policies</strong>: Continuously monitor and review workplace policies to ensure they are inclusive and effective in preventing sexual harassment. Seek feedback from employees with disabilities to identify areas for improvement.</li>
</ol>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">By implementing these tips, the Internal Committee can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all employees, ensuring that those with disabilities receive the protection and justice they deserve.</p>
<p>Please reach out to us for any queries on preventing sexual harassment of persons with disabilities.</p>
<p>For more blogs and articles, visit our <a href="http://www.cecureus.com/">official website. </a><a href="https://cecureus.com/contact-us/">Contact us </a>for workshops and queries related to <a href="https://cecureus.com/prevention-of-sexual-harassment/">POSH</a>, <a href="https://cecureus.com/cecureus-provides-employee-assistance-programs-in-chennai-bangalore-pune-hyderabad-mumbai-delhi-kolkata-india/">EAP (Employee Assistance Program,) </a>and <a href="https://cecureus.com/inclusive-diversity/">Diversity and Inclusion</a>.</p>
<h3>Sources</h3>
<ul style="font-weight: 400;">
<li>Human Rights Watch, &#8220;Invisible Victims of Sexual Violence: Access to Justice for Women and Girls with Disabilities in India&#8221;​ (<a href="https://www.hrw.org/report/2018/04/03/invisible-victims-sexual-violence/access-justice-women-and-girls-disabilities">Human Rights Watch</a>)​</li>
<li>Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016​ (<a href="https://www.mondaq.com/india/discrimination-disability--sexual-harassment/1124006/indias-law-on-prevention-of-sexual-harassment-at-workplace-analysis-of-recent-case-laws---part-3">Mondaq</a>)​</li>
<li>Lalitha Kumaramangalam&#8217;s statement, December 2015​ (<a href="https://www.hrw.org/report/2020/10/14/no-metoo-women-us/poor-enforcement-indias-sexual-harassment-law">Human Rights Watch</a>)</li>
</ul>
<p>The post <a href="https://cecureus.com/sexual-harassment-of-persons-with-disabilities-in-the-workplace/">Sexual Harassment of Persons with Disabilities in the Workplace</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cecureus.com">Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Inclusive Diversity, Employee Assistance Program | CecureUs | Chennai</a>.</p>
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		<title>LGBTQ+ Workplace Harassment: Essential Guide to Industry Insights</title>
		<link>https://cecureus.com/lgbtq-workplace-harassment-essential-guide-to-industry-insights/</link>
					<comments>https://cecureus.com/lgbtq-workplace-harassment-essential-guide-to-industry-insights/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Niharika]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 13 Jun 2024 06:35:21 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Inclusive Diversity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#Bias]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#createsafeworkplaces]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#diversityandinclusionintheworkplace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#diversityatworkplace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#equality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#genderequality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#genderequity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#inclusivediversity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#lgbtqcommunity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#lgbtqiap]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#pride]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#pridemonth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#Unconsciousbias]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#workplacediversity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[diversity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[diversityandinclusion]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[inclusionmatters]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://cecureus.com/?p=11910</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Views: 0 Introduction: In observance of Pride Month, the importance of LGBTQ+ sensitivity training in the workplace has never been...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cecureus.com/lgbtq-workplace-harassment-essential-guide-to-industry-insights/">LGBTQ+ Workplace Harassment: Essential Guide to Industry Insights</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cecureus.com">Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Inclusive Diversity, Employee Assistance Program | CecureUs | Chennai</a>.</p>
]]></description>
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			</div><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-11912" src="https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-12-at-11.03.08-1.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1063" srcset="https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-12-at-11.03.08-1.jpeg 1600w, https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-12-at-11.03.08-1-300x199.jpeg 300w, https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-12-at-11.03.08-1-1024x680.jpeg 1024w, https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-12-at-11.03.08-1-768x510.jpeg 768w, https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-12-at-11.03.08-1-1536x1020.jpeg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" />
<h4><strong>Introduction:</strong></h4>
<p>In observance of Pride Month, the importance of LGBTQ+ sensitivity training in the workplace has never been more critical. This comprehensive guide offers detailed insights into various incidents of harassment across industries, emphasizing the need for all organizations to prioritize a more inclusive and respectful work environment</p>
<h4><strong>Why LGBTQ+ Sensitivity Training is Necessary:</strong></h4>
<p>As we delve into reports from across India and the globe, the ongoing issues of LGBTQ+ harassment in professional settings become apparent. Each example serves as a compelling reason for enhanced training programs.</p>
<p><strong>Incidents Highlighting the Need for Awareness:</strong></p>
<p><strong>1. Textile Industry, Chennai:</strong> &#8220;In a disturbing event at a textile factory, a female employee reported inappropriate physical advances from a colleague under the guise of a game. This incident underscores the urgent requirement for stringent anti-harassment policies.&#8221;</p>
<p><strong>2. Start-up firm, Chennai:</strong> &#8220;At a dynamic start-up, a breach of privacy occurred when an employee&#8217;s personal information was shared without consent. This act highlights the critical need for comprehensive privacy policies and respect for personal boundaries.&#8221;</p>
<p><strong>3. Fintech Sector, Mumbai:</strong> &#8220;Inappropriate discussions about personal lives and sexual orientations have led to a hostile work atmosphere, showcasing the need for professionalism and mutual respect.&#8221;</p>
<p><strong>4. E-commerce Giant, Bangalore:</strong> &#8220;Public comments such as &#8216;that sounds so gay&#8217; have inadvertently exposed colleagues&#8217; private lives, highlighting the necessity for respectful communication and sensitivity.&#8221;</p>
<p><strong>5. Banking Sector, Major Metro City:</strong> &#8220;Discriminatory remarks about a customer’s gender expression, such as questioning their attire, reflect deep-seated biases that must be addressed.&#8221;</p>
<p><strong>6. IT Firm, Noida:</strong> &#8220;Queries like &#8216;Who is the man in the relationship?&#8217; invade personal privacy, demonstrating a fundamental lack of understanding of diverse relationship dynamics.&#8221;</p>
<p><strong>7. Recruitment Process, U.S.-Based Candidate:</strong> &#8220;A recruiter&#8217;s mocking of a candidate&#8217;s voice, post-disclosure of their transgender identity, which later gained attention on social media, points to the pervasive nature of casual bigotry.&#8221;</p>
<p><strong>8. </strong><b>Leaders addressing employees in townhalls and Industry events:</b>  “Good morning, Ladies and Gentleman”, an important opening statement by leaders that leaves out the non-binary folks in their audience and sets the culture of exclusion.</p>
<p><strong>Industry-Wide Reflections:</strong></p>
<p>From Chennai to the USA, these incidents cut across all layers of society and industry, showing the ubiquitous need for sensitivity training. HR departments, from top executives to entry-level employees, play a pivotal role in cultivating respectful and inclusive workplaces.</p>
<h4><strong>Conclusion:</strong></h4>
<p>The examples provided illustrate the pervasive and varied nature of LGBTQ+ harassment in the workplace. It is imperative for organizations to implement ongoing training and foster environments where respect and inclusivity are at the forefront of corporate culture. Let&#8217;s use Pride Month as a springboard for lasting change.&#8221;</p>
<p>&#8220;Is your organization ready to lead the change? <a href="https://cecureus.com/contact-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact us</a> today to learn more about implementing effective LGBTQ+ sensitivity training programs and ensuring a safe, inclusive workplace for everyone.</p>
<p>For more blogs and articles, visit our <a href="http://www.cecureus.com/">official website. </a><a href="https://cecureus.com/contact-us/">Contact us </a>for workshops and queries related to <a href="https://cecureus.com/prevention-of-sexual-harassment/">POSH</a>, <a href="https://cecureus.com/cecureus-provides-employee-assistance-programs-in-chennai-bangalore-pune-hyderabad-mumbai-delhi-kolkata-india/">EAP (Employee Assistance Program,) </a>and <a href="https://cecureus.com/inclusive-diversity/">Diversity and Inclusion</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cecureus.com/lgbtq-workplace-harassment-essential-guide-to-industry-insights/">LGBTQ+ Workplace Harassment: Essential Guide to Industry Insights</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cecureus.com">Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Inclusive Diversity, Employee Assistance Program | CecureUs | Chennai</a>.</p>
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		<title>Myths and Facts about Counselling</title>
		<link>https://cecureus.com/myths-and-facts-about-counselling/</link>
					<comments>https://cecureus.com/myths-and-facts-about-counselling/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Niharika]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 12 Dec 2022 10:40:35 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Employee Assistance Program]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#assistance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#assistanceprograms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#counselling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#createsafeworkplaces]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#employeeassistance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#employeeassistanceprogram]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#mentalhealthawareness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#mentalhealthmatters]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#mentalhealthsupport]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#mentalwellbeing]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://cecureus.com/?p=10441</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Views: 0 Mental health issues bother every person’s daily life. Anxiety and depression have become common terms, especially among young...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cecureus.com/myths-and-facts-about-counselling/">Myths and Facts about Counselling</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cecureus.com">Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Inclusive Diversity, Employee Assistance Program | CecureUs | Chennai</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="post-views content-post post-10441 entry-meta load-static">
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			</div><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10443" src="https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/blog-R19-4.jpg" alt="" width="840" height="550" srcset="https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/blog-R19-4.jpg 840w, https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/blog-R19-4-300x196.jpg 300w, https://cecureus.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/blog-R19-4-768x503.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 840px) 100vw, 840px" />
<p>Mental health issues bother every person’s daily life. Anxiety and depression have become common terms, especially among young adults. But the problems are still not considered &#8216;real.&#8217; Psychological problems are not attended to as physical sicknesses are. Counseling and seeking therapy are regarded taboo topics, especially in India. Yet, reports suggest that about 56 million Indians suffer from depression. The nation has one of the highest prevalence of mental health issues, but it is still barely recognized as a serious issue.</p>
<p>Due to the stigma associated with counseling and psychotherapy, only 10-12% of Indians seek professional help for their mental health problems. This lack of regard soon transpires into an increased suicide rate and drug abuse. Therefore, it is crucial to unlock common misconceptions about seeking counseling.</p>
<p><strong>Busting the 6 most common myths about counseling</strong><strong> </strong></p>
<p>Although WHO dubbed India as one of the most depressed countries in the world, we do not find Indians seeking professional help and counseling for their issues. Counseling is considered a shameful activity, supposedly undermining the victim&#8217;s character in society.</p>
<p><strong>Myth 1 :</strong></p>
<p>Seeking counseling is for the weak, mentally ill, or crazy.</p>
<p><strong>Fact: </strong></p>
<p>Life is riddled with difficulties and problematic situations. It&#8217;s common for people to fall apart under certain circumstances. Be it a teenager struggling with addictions or an adult having a hard time with his career. Feelings of grief, sorrow, and guilt cloud our minds and interfere with our daily lives.</p>
<p>Seeking professional guidance on overcoming these challenges does not make us weak or crazy. It shows smartness and self-awareness. Counseling opens up active paths to closure. The guidance allows you to understand your emotions and teaches you how to resolve your issues.</p>
<p><strong>Myth 2 :</strong></p>
<p>Therapists sit behind desks taking notes while you lie on a couch.</p>
<p><strong>Fact:</strong><strong> </strong></p>
<p>Counseling sessions with therapists are not very different from explaining to a doctor your health issues. Despite how social media represents therapy, it does not involve lying on a couch and discussing your problems.</p>
<p>Counseling is a two-way communication. The mental health professionals participate in active discussions with you and suggest personalized solutions for dealing with your difficulties and being in touch with your emotions. As physical closeness isn&#8217;t necessary for the discussion, these sessions can take place online over video conferences.</p>
<p><strong>Myth 3:</strong></p>
<p>Psychotherapy is mostly just talking and a waste of time.</p>
<p><strong>Fact:</strong></p>
<p>Psychotherapy is the remedial solution for your mental health issues. It involves treating your brain and mind to build resilience. Professional psychotherapists are trained individuals with degrees. They have studied human psychology and behavior to deliver certified solutions to your problems.</p>
<p>Therapists follow proven methodologies and elaborate frameworks to understand your feelings and provide personalized suggestions accordingly. Counseling sessions give you authenticated activities and assignments to complete as a step to overcoming your problems.</p>
<p><strong>Myth 4:</strong></p>
<p>Psychotherapists have ready-made solutions for all of life’s problems.</p>
<p><strong>Fact:</strong></p>
<p>Your life is different, your problems are unique, and the circumstances that led you there are unique. There is no one-size-fits-all approach with psychologists. These certified therapists listen to your issues and discover the root cause behind your state of mind. They find an interconnection of events and circumstances that led to your mental condition.</p>
<p>Therapists bring out your preferences and needs and offer personalized guidance to your goal. They utilize proven activities and exercises for you to follow. Counseling transforms you into a healthier person who knows how to handle emotions. It allows you to take control of your mind instead of the other way around.</p>
<p><strong>Myth 5:</strong></p>
<p>Psychotherapists prescribe medications that are very addictive and dependent for the rest of their life.</p>
<p><strong>Fact:</strong><strong> </strong></p>
<p>Psychotherapists suggest remedial activities and mental exercises. These steps are aimed at improving your mental health and understanding emotions better. The therapists do not prescribe medications for your problems.</p>
<p>However, in severe mental illness diagnoses of depression, or insomnia, psychologists refer you to licensed psychiatrists who prescribe you the necessary medications. Psychiatrists are trained physicians specialized in assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental illnesses. They offer non-addictive and strategic doses of medication for a highly systemized treatment.</p>
<p><strong>Myth 6:</strong></p>
<p>Therapy is not necessary if you can talk to a good friend.</p>
<p><strong>Fact:</strong><strong> </strong></p>
<p>While it&#8217;s important to have someone to talk to, counseling is much more than that. Therapy sessions involve you seeking guidance from a certified professional about your mental health. Therapists listen to your issues and make expert interpretations about your mental state and how you reached there. Counselling gives you an unbiased view of your emotions, offering you optimal guidance toward composed mental health. The psychology sessions are a non-judgmental space for you to seek professional help.</p>
<p>A common fear is, &#8220;<strong>People will know that I am seeing a counselor</strong>.&#8221;</p>
<p>Seeking counseling is nothing to be embarrassed about. It shows that you are in touch with your emotions, recognize that you are facing issues, and are mature enough to seek professional help. 20% of the US adult population visits a psychologist weekly. It is considered a healthy way to understand your feelings.</p>
<p>However, counseling through <a href="https://cecureus.com/what-is-eap-employee-assistance-program-how-does-it-work/">the Employee Assistance Program at the office</a> remains highly confidential. Information disclosed in the therapy session stays between the employee and the counselor. Only in cases of suicidal tendencies does the counselor breach the contract and informs a loved one.</p>
<p>If you are an organization looking to implement <a href="https://cecureus.com/cecureus-provides-employee-assistance-programs-in-chennai-bangalore-pune-hyderabad-mumbai-delhi-kolkata-india/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EAP</a> support, write to us at <a href="mailto:connect@cecureus.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">connect@cecureus.com</a>. Visit our<a href="https://eap.cecureus.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> portal </a>to book an appointment if you are concerned about yourself or a loved one. For more blogs, vlogs, workshop announcements, and event updates, visit our official website , <a href="https://cecureus.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.cecureus.com</a>.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cecureus.com/myths-and-facts-about-counselling/">Myths and Facts about Counselling</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cecureus.com">Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Inclusive Diversity, Employee Assistance Program | CecureUs | Chennai</a>.</p>
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		<title>6 steps to comply with the Prevention of Sexual Harassment / PoSH Act 2013</title>
		<link>https://cecureus.com/6-steps-to-comply-with-the-prevention-of-sexual-harassment-posh-act-2013/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Niharika]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 30 Aug 2022 06:01:29 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PoSH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#createsafeworkplaces]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#posh]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#PoSHAct]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#poshcompliance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#preventionofsexualharassment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#safetyculture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#safeworkingconditions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#safeworkingplace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#sexualharassment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#sexualoffences]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#women]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://cecureus.com/?p=9969</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Views: 0</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://cecureus.com/6-steps-to-comply-with-the-prevention-of-sexual-harassment-posh-act-2013/">6 steps to comply with the Prevention of Sexual Harassment / PoSH Act 2013</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cecureus.com">Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Inclusive Diversity, Employee Assistance Program | CecureUs | Chennai</a>.</p>
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<p>The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act was passed in 2013 by the Indian parliament to lay down the policies for complaints and inquiries of sexual harassment of women in workplaces and guidelines for the actions to be taken in cases of sexual harassment. Broadening the Vishaka guidelines, The <a href="https://cecureus.com/prevention-of-sexual-harassment/">Prevention of Sexual Harassment</a> act protects all women employees who are not just employed by the organizations, but third parties, clients, or anyone who visits the premises at any capacity against sexual harassment at the workplace.</p>
<p>This being defined, almost all organizations across the country have implemented policies of sexual harassment prevention in workplaces and are training their employees to be compliant. However, there are a few concerns among new organizations, a few small-scale organizations, and those companies with fewer employees about compliance with the <a href="https://cecureus.com/prevention-of-sexual-harassment/">PoSH</a> act. This article answers a few FAQs about compliance with the Prevention of Sexual Harassment/PoSH act 2013 and defines 6 steps by which any organization can become compliant with the PoSH act and prevent sexual harassment incidents in their workplaces.</p>
<p><strong>FAQ 1:</strong></p>
<p><strong>What if my organization has all male employees? Should I be compliant with the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Answer:</strong></p>
<p>Yes, The PoSH Act?<strong>mandates</strong>?compliance with the Prevention of Sexual Harassment policies for any organization with a?<strong>minimum of 10 employees.</strong>?Now, it is imperative to understand that even if all the employees of the organization are male, they have to interact with female vendors, clients, and other female parties visiting or associated with the organization. All employees should be sensitized to comply with the PoSH laws and policies and should be trained to report sexual harassment incidents in the workplace.</p>
<p><strong>FAQ 2:</strong></p>
<p><strong>What if my organization has only contractors or consultants? Should I be compliant with the PoSH law?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Answer:</strong></p>
<p>Yes, the PoSH Act defines an employee as an individual?<strong>associated with the organization in any form</strong>, whether working with or without pay, full-time or part-time. Be it schools, colleges, educational institutes, NGOs, Government, or private organizations, if the organization has more than 10 employees, compliance with the PoSH Act is mandatory.</p>
<p><strong>Steps for compliance:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Define Clear Policies:</strong></p>
<p>An organization must begin compliance by defining clear policies for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment in the workplace.<strong>?</strong>The definitions of workplace, employees, and harassment should be clearly and explicitly mentioned in the policy handbook and handed to all employees. The guidelines on reporting a sexual harassment incident, the timeline for reporting, how to register an incident and with whom, details of the Internal Committee, and the consequences for harassment should be published in the policies. All employees associated with the organization must be trained and sensitized about the same.</p>
<p><strong>Set up an Internal Committee:</strong></p>
<p>The second step to compliance is to form an Internal Committee(IC) to receive, inquire about, and redress complaints on sexual harassment incidents in the workplace. The committee should constitute a minimum of 4 people, headed by a senior woman. An external member, not a part of the organization, must be included in the IC to ensure fair practices in inquiries and redressals of sexual harassment complaints.</p>
<p><strong>Empower the Internal Committee and employees:</strong></p>
<p>According to the <a href="https://cecureus.com/prevention-of-sexual-harassment/">PoSH</a> law, all members of the Internal Committee must be trained to receive, handle, and prevent sexual harassment incidents in workplaces. The IC must be trustworthy and relied upon by all employees of the organization for fair practices against sexual harassment.</p>
<p>Periodically train all employees about harassment and reporting, empower all employees to speak up, and take a stand against sexual harassment in the workplace.</p>
<p>Routine training can happen in any form, like classroom mode, e-learning, induction, and paper-based, to name a few, but it must be mandatory for all employees irrespective of their rank and file.</p>
<p><strong>Penal consequences of sexual harassment:</strong></p>
<p>Display the penal consequences of harassment and violation of the PoSH Act on the notice boards, in conspicuous places like lobbies, cafeterias, washrooms, floor notice boards, etc. The posters should also mention that the workplace is harassment-free, and if any visitors are harassed by employees of the organization, they must report to the authorities. Awareness about the consequences can form the foundation for preventing sexual harassment incidents in the workplace.</p>
<p><strong>Display in service rules that sexual harassment is punishable by law:</strong></p>
<p>Every employee new to the organization must be made aware that sexual harassment is a punishable offense under the PoSH Act 2013, and the organization must ensure that. The service regulations of employment must display the code of conduct accordingly and be clear in this aspect. The rules and employee compliance with the PoSH Act must be a part of the induction program.</p>
<p><strong>PoSH Reports:</strong></p>
<p>The organization must prepare a detailed report of PoSH compliance, training, the cases handled, and the details and hand it over to the district office annually. This has to be done and filed with the district office for every branch of an organization.</p>
<p>By following these 6 simple steps, an organization can ensure 100% compliance with the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act, offering safe workplaces for all employees and third parties.</p>
<p>For any queries on PoSH Act compliance, write to us at <a href="mailto:connect@cecureus.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">connect@cecureus.com</a>. For more blogs and articles, visit our?<a href="http://www.cecureus.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">official website.</a>??<a href="https://cecureus.com/contact-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact us</a>?for workshops and queries related to?<a href="https://cecureus.com/prevention-of-sexual-harassment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">POSH</a>,?<a href="https://cecureus.com/cecureus-provides-employee-assistance-programs-in-chennai-bangalore-pune-hyderabad-mumbai-delhi-kolkata-india/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EAP(Employee Assistance Program,)</a>?and?<a href="https://cecureus.com/inclusive-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Diversity and Inclusion</a>.</p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://cecureus.com/6-steps-to-comply-with-the-prevention-of-sexual-harassment-posh-act-2013/">6 steps to comply with the Prevention of Sexual Harassment / PoSH Act 2013</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cecureus.com">Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Inclusive Diversity, Employee Assistance Program | CecureUs | Chennai</a>.</p>
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		<title>Myths about women at work &#8211; And debunking them!</title>
		<link>https://cecureus.com/myths-about-women-at-work-and-debunking-them/</link>
					<comments>https://cecureus.com/myths-about-women-at-work-and-debunking-them/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Niharika]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 22 Apr 2022 11:58:52 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Inclusive Diversity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#createsafeworkplaces]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#diversityandinclusionintheworkplace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#equality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#genderequality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#posh]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#womenempowerment]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://cecureus.com/?p=9179</guid>

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<p>The post <a href="https://cecureus.com/myths-about-women-at-work-and-debunking-them/">Myths about women at work &#8211; And debunking them!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cecureus.com">Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Inclusive Diversity, Employee Assistance Program | CecureUs | Chennai</a>.</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>For more blogs and articles, visit our <a href="http://www.cecureus.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">official website. </a><a href="https://cecureus.com/contact-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact us</a> for workshops and queries related to <a href="https://cecureus.com/prevention-of-sexual-harassment/">POSH</a>, <a href="https://cecureus.com/cecureus-provides-employee-assistance-programs-in-chennai-bangalore-pune-hyderabad-mumbai-delhi-kolkata-india/">EAP(Employee Assistance Program,)</a> and <a href="https://cecureus.com/inclusive-diversity/">Diversity and Inclusion</a>.</strong></p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://cecureus.com/myths-about-women-at-work-and-debunking-them/">Myths about women at work &#8211; And debunking them!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cecureus.com">Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Inclusive Diversity, Employee Assistance Program | CecureUs | Chennai</a>.</p>
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		<title>Workplace Harassment Compliance For The United States Of America</title>
		<link>https://cecureus.com/workplace-harassment-compliance-for-the-united-states-of-america/</link>
					<comments>https://cecureus.com/workplace-harassment-compliance-for-the-united-states-of-america/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Niharika]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 23 Nov 2021 12:15:32 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[PoSH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#ComplianceUSA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#createsafeworkplaces]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#posh]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#PoSHAct]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#poshcompliance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#safeworkplace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#sexualharassment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#workplaceharassment]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://cecureus.com/?p=8628</guid>

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<p>The post <a href="https://cecureus.com/workplace-harassment-compliance-for-the-united-states-of-america/">Workplace Harassment Compliance For The United States Of America</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cecureus.com">Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Inclusive Diversity, Employee Assistance Program | CecureUs | Chennai</a>.</p>
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		<p><strong>What is harassment?</strong></p>
<p>Under the American laws, harassment is described as any repeated or uninvited contact in the <a href="https://cecureus.com/workplace-harassment-compliance-for-the-united-states-of-america/">workplace </a>that serves no useful purpose to the employee beyond creating alarm, annoyance, or emotional distress.</p>
<p>Harassment is any form of unlawful discrimination in the workplace that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the &#8216;<strong>Age Discrimination&#8217; </strong>in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).</p>
<p>Harassment, as per the American laws, is defined as unlawful behaviour or offense in the workplace with an individual employee or a group hired by an American employer based on age (Older age beginning at 40), colour, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, genetic information, pregnancy status, nationality/origin, and disability.</p>
<p><strong>When does harassment become an unlawful/offensive act?</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Offensive or unlawful conduct, </strong>according to American laws, may include but is not limited to offensive jokes, gender discrimination, graffiti, slurs, epithets or name-calling, derogatory comments, physical assaults or threats, intimidation, ridicule, or mockery based on gender, race, ethnicity, age, or others, insults, verbal put-downs, vulgar or obscene objects or pictures, and interference with work performance.</li>
<li><a href="https://cecureus.com/e-etiquette-appropriate-and-inappropriate-behaviour-with-a-colleague-online/"><strong>Sexual harassment in the workplace </strong></a>(Unwelcome and unlawful sexual advances towards the same or other gender, requests for sexual favours, employment denied for retaliating to sexual misconduct, and other conduct of sexual nature)</li>
<li>Putting up with the unlawful and offensive conduct at the workplace becomes a requirement of continued employment.</li>
<li>The misconduct is severe or prevalent enough to create a hostile, intimidating workplace or abusive work environment for any reasonable person employed by the American firm. The harassment results in an adverse employment decision such as firing or demotion of the employee.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Harassment Circumstances</strong></p>
<p>Unlawful harassment towards an employee in the workplace can occur under but is not limited to any of the following circumstances:</p>
<ul>
<li>The harasser can be the employee&#8217;s supervisor or employer, a supervisor in any department of the organization, an agent of the employer, a co-worker/colleague, or even a non-employee.</li>
<li>The victim need not necessarily be the person harassed but any individual employed by an American firm affected by the misconduct.</li>
<li>Unlawful harassment of an employee may occur without <strong>economic injury </strong>to the victim.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Anti-Discrimination law</strong></p>
<p>The US anti-discrimination law enforced by <strong>EEOC</strong>(Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) prohibits unlawful discrimination, gender, age, colour, race, or otherwise, towards an employee at the workplace in every aspect of employment.</p>
<p>Anti-discrimination law also aims to prevent unlawful harassment and protect employees and individuals in the workplace who file a discrimination charge, testify, or participate in any way in an investigation, proceeding, or lawsuit under these laws.</p>
<p>The law also safeguards any employee or individual who files a discrimination charge, opposing unlawful employment practices that they reasonably believe discriminate against individuals or employees based on gender, colour, race, or ethnicity, to name a few.</p>
<p><strong>Employer compliance with the anti-harassment law</strong></p>
<p>Every employer can abide by the anti-harassment law by taking the following actions:</p>
<ul>
<li>Provide mandatory employee <strong>training </strong>on the Prevention of harassment.</li>
<li>Enact and distribute detailed <strong>policies </strong>on anti-harassment to all employees in the workplace.</li>
<li>Make sure all employees, irrespective of their gender, are aware of their <strong>course of action </strong>when they encounter harassment at the workplace (where to report the incident, to whom, and within how many days)</li>
<li>Advertise several versions of an anti-harassment policy to all employees, irrespective of their gender, in different states to comply with state law.</li>
<li>Include the anti-harassment policy in the company handbook or employee manual applicable to all employees.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Where and how can an employee report a harassment incident?</strong></p>
<p>Every employee, whatever race, gender, colour, age, or ethnicity, is entitled to a <a href="https://cecureus.com/10-commandments-of-sexual-harassment-at-workplace-act/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">harassment-free workplace</a>, and every employer must provide a safe work environment. If encountered with a harassment incident at the workplace, an employee could use <strong>various channels </strong>to report the incident.</p>
<ul>
<li>To immediate, second-level, or any other supervisor within or outside their chain of command.</li>
<li>Their bureau-level servicing human resources office</li>
<li><strong>EEO</strong>(Equal Employment Opportunity) Office that services their bureau.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Harassment laws across various states in the US</strong></p>
<p>Several states across the US have mandated that anti-harassment policies be included in the employee&#8217;s handbook. Like the mandatory anti-harassment training requirements, each state in America imposes its own essential terms and local content to tackle harassment behaviors.</p>
<p>Employers have to abide by their respective state laws in reporting and handling workplace harassment.</p>
<p><strong>States that mandate anti-harassment training for employees in America:</strong></p>
<p>California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois(For bars and restaurants), Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington(for specific industries).</p>
<p><strong>States that do not mandate but recommend anti-harassment training:</strong></p>
<p>Federal Law Jurisdiction, Colorado, Iowa, New Jersey, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin.</p>
<p><strong>What can an employer do to prevent harassment incidents at the workplace?</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Designate at least one person outside an employee&#8217;s chain of command to receive harassment complaints.</li>
<li>Permit employees to <strong>report harassment </strong>to any manager in the unit. If possible, provide hotline numbers to report incidents.</li>
<li>Explain anti-harassment laws and the behaviors that are considered unlawful or harassment.</li>
<li>Ensure <strong>confidentiality </strong>of employees who report incidents, irrespective of their gender.</li>
<li>Convey that an employee will not be punished for reporting a harassment incident or participating in a harassment investigation or lawsuit.</li>
<li>Assure appropriate and timely responses from HR personnel for any harassment complaints.</li>
<li>Provide thorough, prompt, and <strong>unbiased investigation </strong>for harassment complaints.</li>
<li>Notify employees who file harassment complaints about the status of their complaints, the investigation processes, the results of the investigation, and the action taken.</li>
<li>Explain to employees the consequences of harassment incidents.</li>
<li>Additionally, explain to employees the consequences of malicious complaints.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>For more information on <a href="https://cecureus.com/category/blogs/prevention-of-sexual-harassment/">Prevention of Sexual Harassment(POSH)</a>, <a href="https://cecureus.com/category/blogs/employee-assistance-program/">EAP (Employee Assistance Programs)</a>, <a href="https://cecureus.com/category/blogs/inclusive-diversity/">D&amp;I (Diversity and Inclusion)</a> offerings by CecureUs , please contact <a href="mailto:connect@cecureus.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">connect@cecureus.com </a>or call us at +91-7200500221</strong></p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://cecureus.com/workplace-harassment-compliance-for-the-united-states-of-america/">Workplace Harassment Compliance For The United States Of America</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cecureus.com">Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Inclusive Diversity, Employee Assistance Program | CecureUs | Chennai</a>.</p>
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		<title>Confidentiality- PoSH Acts Promise For Victim&#8217;s Safeguard</title>
		<link>https://cecureus.com/confidentiality-posh-acts-promise-for-victims-safeguard/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Niharika]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Apr 2021 07:27:09 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[PoSH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#confidentiality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#createsafeworkplaces]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#creatingsafeworkplaces]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#PoSHAct]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[#Preventingsexualharassment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#preventionofsexualharassment]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://cecureus.com/?p=7463</guid>

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<p>The post <a href="https://cecureus.com/confidentiality-posh-acts-promise-for-victims-safeguard/">Confidentiality- PoSH Acts Promise For Victim&#8217;s Safeguard</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cecureus.com">Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Inclusive Diversity, Employee Assistance Program | CecureUs | Chennai</a>.</p>
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		<p>When an employee is subjected to <a href="https://cecureus.com/10-commandments-of-sexual-harassment-at-workplace-act/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sexual harassment at work</a>, it can be a humiliating and traumatic experience. The victims may be feeling uneasy and disturbed, but they may also be terrified. They may want to tell someone about the sexual harassment but are afraid of the backlash or retaliation. <em>What if everyone comes to know about it? What will people think? </em>These insecurities and fear hold them back from speaking out. For the victim of sexual harassment, assuring confidentiality gives them the confidence that what is said will not become a grapevine.</p>
<p>The Prevention of Sexual Harassment or PoSH Act ensures that no one shall have to negotiate with their liberty to file a sexual harassment complaint and that one shall be protected from any backlash or retaliation if they raise their voice against misconduct or sexual harassment in the <a href="https://cecureus.com/tips-to-help-employees-return-to-the-workplace/">workplace</a>.</p>
<p><strong>CONFIDENTIALITY IN PoSH</strong></p>
<p>It is sad but true that instead of the perpetrator, the victim of sexual harassment fears more because the victim feels that reporting against the culprit, even under the PoSH Act, might cost them their job, they may have to answer uncomfortable questions from their colleagues, and face judgmental eyes while walking through the corridors.</p>
<p>But to counter these insecurities, the PoSH Act has introduced confidentiality clauses to ensure that no victim of sexual harassment bargains their privacy to receive justice under the PoSH law. Confidentiality suggests that the informer has given information in complete trust and is seeking protection under the PoSH Act.</p>
<p><strong>Section 16 of the PoSH Act states that:-</strong></p>
<p><em>Prohibition of publication or making known the contents of complaint and inquiry proceedings. Notwithstanding anything contained in the Right to Information Act, 2005 (22 of 2005), the contents of the complaint made under section 9, the identity and addresses of the aggrieved woman or victim, respondent, and witnesses, or any information relating to conciliation and inquiry proceedings, recommendations of the Internal Committee or the Local Committee, as the case may be, and the action taken by the employer or the District Officer under the provisions of the <a href="https://cecureus.com/definition-of-workplace-as-per-the-posh-act-2013/">PoSH Act</a> shall not be published, communicated, or made known, to the public, press, and media in any manner.</em></p>
<p><em>Provided that information may be disseminated regarding the justice secured to any victim of sexual harassment under this PoSH Act without disclosing the name, address, identity, or any other particulars that lead to the identification of the victim/aggrieved woman and witnesses.</em></p>
<p>In the case of <strong>Vk Bhosale VS The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development</strong>, the court reinstated the principle of confidentiality under the PoSH Act. In this case, the matter revolves around an RTI application by an appellant seeking a copy regarding an enquiry on a complaint made on sexual harassment, which was conducted by the internal women&#8217;s committee. Apart from that, the appellant party also asked for several other documents, which were confidential.</p>
<p>The CPIO, The Central Public Information Officer, rejected the request and denied the information under Section 8 (1) (j) of the RTI Act and cited section 16 of the PoSH Act.</p>
<p>As the proceedings of the judicial hearing proceeded, it was observed that information that the appellant sought was exempted from being disclosed to any third party under section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act. There was no reason why such sensitive information should be shared with anyone. Also, the panel decided that just because the RTI application was filed by the appellant, for any reason whatsoever, this information should not be provided to him in his capacity as the section 16 of the RTI act clearly states that providing any such information would be a violation of the promise of confidentiality of the PoSH Act to the victim.</p>
<p>Hence the decision of the respondents to deny the information to the appellant was upheld. The appeal was rejected by the judicial bench.</p>
<p><strong>STAKEHOLDERS OF THIS INFORMATION</strong></p>
<p>According to the confidentiality clause of the PoSH Act, sensitive information of any kind should not be provided to anyone. The PoSH Act categorically states that such information is prohibited from being disclosed to anyone, not even fellow employees.</p>
<p>Only the members of IC should have this information regarding sexual harassment to act upon it and meet the ends of justice. As we read in the above case law, no individual shall receive this information of sexual harassment, or details of the victim, even if they are members of top management.</p>
<p><strong>BREACH OF CONFIDENTIALITY</strong></p>
<p>Section 17 of the PoSH Act addresses the consequences if anyone (<a href="https://cecureus.com/what-do-companies-need-to-know-about-the-indian-sexual-harassment-of-women-at-workplace-prevention-prohibition-and-redressal-act-2013/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Internal committee, HR, or management) </a>breaches the trust of confidentiality.</p>
<p>Section 17 of the PoSH Act states that:-</p>
<p><em>Where any person entrusted with the duty to handle or deal with the sexual harassment complaint, inquiry, any recommendations, or action taken under the provisions of this Act contravenes the provisions of section 16, and he shall be liable for a penalty by the conditions of the service rules applicable to the victim or where no such service rules exist, in such manner as may be prescribed.</em></p>
<p>As per the service rules applicable, the employer must collect <strong>Rs.5,000/- </strong>as a repercussion of breaching the trust of the binding contract of the PoSH Act.</p>
<p><strong>EXCEPTION</strong></p>
<p>But there also lies an exception in which there is the dissemination of information about the justice obtained without revealing the name, location, identification, or other personal data of the victim, complainant, or witnesses.</p>
<p>This exemption was recently upheld in <strong>the case of Praveen Bhatt v/s Union of India and Others</strong>. In this case, the court gave a broad interpretation of section 16 of the PoSH Act and, while explaining it, also stressed the exceptions of this section.</p>
<p>The court stated that sensitive information such as the identity and addresses of the persons mentioned therein and any information relating to conciliation and inquiry proceedings, or even the recommendations made in such proceedings by various committees and the action taken by the employer or by any statutory authority shall not be published, communicated or made known to the public using press or media in any manner whatsoever.</p>
<p>This section of the PoSH Act prohibits publishing any material information about the victim, the case, or its judicial proceedings. It also forbids the knowledge from being brought into the public domain, either by the press or media, when the judicial proceedings abide by the PoSH Act requisites.</p>
<p>The section neither contemplates nor prohibits consideration of the material in the manner provided under the law in a judicial proceeding, especially when the issue involved in the judicial proceedings warrants taking note of the proceedings held, as was the question in the present judicial case.</p>
<p>From this case law, it can be interpreted that The PoSH Act simply forbids the press or media from bringing material facts and details into the public domain while the proceedings of the sexual harassment case are underway. The Act does not exclude or forbid the consideration of the material for judicial inquiry where such rumination is needed.</p>
<p><strong>CONCLUSION</strong></p>
<p>Therefore, it would be just to say that the PoSH Act does not compromise the victim&#8217;s identity. The PoSH Act was enacted to curb the incidents of sexual harassment at workplaces. Each section of it lives up to the very purpose for which this Act was incorporated.</p>
<p>In case of any clarifications regarding PoSH Act confidentiality, you may leave your comments below or connect with us through <a href="mailto:connect@cecureus.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">connect@cecureus.com</a>.</p>
<p><strong>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</strong></p>
<p>Hemansh Tandon is a fourth-year law student from Indraprastha University. He is an avid reader and has a keen interest in writing prose and verses.</p>
<p><strong>REFERENCES</strong></p>
<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.legitquest.com/case/praveen-bhatt-v-union-of-india-and-ors/1C6E02" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Praveen Bhatt Vs. Union of India and Ors on 09 January, 2020 &#8211; Legitquest</a></li>
<li><a href="https://indiankanoon.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://indiankanoon.org/</a></li>
<li>HANDBOOK On Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace for Employers / Institutions / Organisations/ Internal Complaints Committee / Local Complaints Committee. ISSUED by the ministry of Women and Child Development</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>For more information on <a href="https://cecureus.com/prevention-of-sexual-harassment/">Prevention of Sexual Harassment(POSH)</a>, <a href="https://cecureus.com/cecureus-provides-employee-assistance-programs-in-chennai-bangalore-pune-hyderabad-mumbai-delhi-kolkata-india/">EAP (Employee Assistance Programs)</a>, <a href="https://cecureus.com/inclusive-diversity/">D&amp;I (Diversity and Inclusion)</a> offerings by CecureUs , please contact <a href="mailto:connect@cecureus.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">connect@cecureus.com </a>or call us at +91-7200500221</strong></p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://cecureus.com/confidentiality-posh-acts-promise-for-victims-safeguard/">Confidentiality- PoSH Acts Promise For Victim&#8217;s Safeguard</a> appeared first on <a href="https://cecureus.com">Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Inclusive Diversity, Employee Assistance Program | CecureUs | Chennai</a>.</p>
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		<title>Case Law on Malicious Complaint under the PoSH Act</title>
		<link>https://cecureus.com/case-law-on-malicious-complaint-under-the-posh-act/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Niharika]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 22 Mar 2021 15:14:13 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[PoSH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#createsafeworkplaces]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#harassmentfreeworkplace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#posh]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#PoSHAct]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#poshcom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#preventionofsexualharassment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#safeworkingconditions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#safeworkplace]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://cecureus.com/?p=7272</guid>

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		<p>As we all know, The PoSH law, or the Prevention Of Sexual Harassment(PoSH) Act, was passed in India in the year 2013 to protect women from sexual harassment in the workplace. The law is an absolute boon to Indian <a href="https://cecureus.com/myths-about-women-at-work-and-debunking-them/">Women</a> as it shatters several societal notions about workplace sexual harassment and allows women to voice against sexual crimes in the workplace. Although the law does not tolerate harassment, there are cases where malicious complaints have been filed against Managers, Peers, and colleagues for personal vengeance, which is a misuse of the law. The PoSH Law in India also has defined clauses to protect employees from malicious complaints.</p>
<p>Here is a case study of a malicious case, and it is a typical example of how the <a href="https://cecureus.com/definition-of-workplace-as-per-the-posh-act-2013/">PoSH law in India</a> works impartially for all employees so that while ensuring sexual harassment is avoided, the law also protects all employees from malicious complaints.</p>
<p><strong>ANITA SURESH VS UNION OF INDIA &amp; OTHERS</strong></p>
<p><strong>OVERVIEW OF THE CASE</strong></p>
<p>In this case, a petitioner was reprimanded for using the PoSH law to file a malicious complaint. This case upheld the morals penned in section 14 of the PoSH Act. This also sent a clear message that no one can misuse charges of sexual harassment. The PoSH law in India does not act as a legal immunity but is a guardian of our rights, and when one uses it as a garb to abuse someone maliciously, it also punishes those wrongdoers.</p>
<p><strong>SECTION 14 OF THE POSH ACT,2013</strong></p>
<p>As discussed earlier, Section 14 is written in the act to create a difference between the correct and malicious and spiteful complainants. This act says that if the internal committee or the local committee concludes that the allegations filed against the respondent are false, it may be recommended to the employer or district officer to take action by the service rules applicable. This section of the PoSH law helps avoid abuse of the act and penalizes those who have malevolent intentions.</p>
<p><strong>FACTS OF THE CASE</strong></p>
<p>In this case, Anita Suresh, the petitioner, was an employee in the ESI Corporation in Manesar and was working there as an assistant director. On 8th July 2011, she filed a written complaint under the PoSH Act to the direction-general of ESI Corporation alleging that she faced sexual harassment from her colleague, Mr. Verma. She alleged that he misbehaved and encountered several sexual advances.</p>
<p>In her written complaint, she mentioned two incidents dated on 7th July 2011, in which she claimed that while sitting amongst her colleagues, Mr. Verma passed some remarks, which for the reasons of maintaining decorum she cannot write a filthy language on paper, and also commented something which indicated sexual advances. Also, in the presence of staff and other members, he had asked her to come to the male&#8217;s toilet to check the shortcomings.</p>
<p>This led to the formation of the PoSH internal complaint committee. Respondent appeared before the forum, which enquired about the case, and he denied all those charges of the case. He also added that the complaint was malicious. It was made against him because the petitioner held a grudge against him as he disposed of official work in her absence.</p>
<p>Later the committee examined the eight witnesses, the respondent and the petitioner. On 20th January 2012, the committee held that the exact context of the dialogue between petitioner and respondent could not be established, and offering the benefit of the doubt to Mr. Verma, the complaint was considered malicious, and the committee suggested that both the parties may be relocated from their present positions.</p>
<p>But the petitioner called the committee&#8217;s report erroneous and believed that relocating the respondent wasn&#8217;t sufficient punishment. She also claimed that on 4th November 2011, the respondent threatened and coerced her to withdraw her grievances.</p>
<p>Video order from the court dated 28th March 2019 directed ESI Corporation to produce all the documents, which shall be scrutinized by the court.</p>
<p>During the proceedings, the court observed that the petitioner failed to give names of those present during the incident mentioned in her complaint. All those employees and staff were examined who were present on the day when that alleged incident took place, and none of them supported those allegations.</p>
<p>Due to insufficient evidence, it was held that the writ petition didn&#8217;t have any merit. Therefore it was dismissed as a malicious case, and the petitioner was asked to pay an amount of Rs. 50,000/- to the Delhi Advocates Welfare Trust within 4 weeks.</p>
<p><strong>CONCLUSION</strong></p>
<p>This case has set an example that the laws encoded in the <a href="https://cecureus.com/confidentiality-posh-acts-promise-for-victims-safeguard/">PoSH act</a> are not meant to exploit the innocent but are written to protect the rights of employees. Though this act was established to protect the rights of those who faced <a href="https://cecureus.com/legal-compliance-aspects-of-prevention-of-sexual-harassment-posh/">sexual harassment</a>, in recent years, we have seen some incidents where some employees have tried to misuse the law for their selfish motives. Establishing fines on false cases like these would prevent the tarnishing of an honourable citizen&#8217;s image and save valuable time in court.</p>
<p><strong>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</strong></p>
<p>Hemansh Tandon is a fourth-year law student from Indraprastha University. He is an avid reader and has a keen interest in writing prose and verses.</p>
<p><strong>For more information on <a href="https://cecureus.com/prevention-of-sexual-harassment/">Prevention of Sexual Harassment(POSH)</a>, <a href="https://cecureus.com/cecureus-provides-employee-assistance-programs-in-chennai-bangalore-pune-hyderabad-mumbai-delhi-kolkata-india/">EAP (Employee Assistance Programs)</a>, <a href="https://cecureus.com/inclusive-diversity/">D&amp;I (Diversity and Inclusion)</a> offerings by CecureUs , please contact <a href="mailto:connect@cecureus.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">connect@cecureus.com </a>or call us at +91-7200500221</strong></p>
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