Harassment and discrimination: an unchanging narrative
February is supposed to be the month of love and romance, but instead, we have yet more revelations of sexual harassment and discrimination in our workplaces and on campuses.
It’s depressing, but the news, thankfully, keeps shedding light on the darker side of workand study, and continues to reveal discrimination, sexual misconduct and harassment.
A summary of the year so far… (It is only February)
In the NHS, a joint investigation by The Independent and Sky News has uncovered a harrowing number of sexual assaults within mental health services, where those in need of care and protection were instead subjected to vile abuse.
And other parts of the NHS have continued to fall short when it comes to sexual harassment, workers have shared their shocking stories.
And, The BMJ has once again called out racism and asked the NHS to ‘get a grip’,.
And, current and former paramedics told Sky News that sexual harassment in the job is widespread. Professional body the College of Paramedics said there were problems in all of the UK's NHS trusts.
Ministers say they will intervene in the running of the south Wales fire service following a damning report on a culture of sexual harassment, meanwhile The Guardian reported the the Fire Services’s own union has let its members down with nearly a third of female firefighters having experienced sexual harassment at events related to union activity
The music industry, which should be presenting a culture of creativity and freedom, has been highlighted for its "endemic" misogyny, with a parliamentary report condemning the use of NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) to silence victims of abuse and harassment. This silence and discrimination just stifles talent and tarnishes the industry's image.
The Police has so many misconduct complaints against it – across the county that it really deserves its own post.
Similarly, the military is still struggling with revelations, the latest I’ve seen concerns an RAF servicewoman who had to lock herself in a bathroom to escape the unwanted attentions of her boss.
Even the financial sector is under scrutiny, with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) investigating non-financial misconduct.
The academic world isn't immune either. The Office for Students (OfS) stepped up with proposals aimed at eradicating harassment and sexual misconduct in universities and colleges. Their approach seeks to enforce obligations on institutions to create safer spaces for learning and personal growth with a ‘register of relationships’ between lecturers and students. But, The 1752 Group is working with branches of the University and College Union (UCU) to pressure institutions into going further and calls for and outright ban on staff-student relationships
These stories just keep coming. And, it’s one of the reasons why we created SaferSpace.io. I
In the wake of these frequent revelations and in line with the new Worker Protection Bill, which aims to support rights and protections for employees, SaferSpace.io can help.
Our platform supports workplaces and study spaces to help create environments where safety and respect are embedded in the culture. By using technology SaferSpace.io helps organisations to detect, address, and prevent misconduct.
It's not just about compliance with new regulations like the Worker Protection Act; it's about building a proper culture of respect and dignity that supports everyone.
