At The Cluny, we take a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment. All staff have been trained on the issue, how to spot it, and the best course of action if it happens; and as such we have in place a policy to help foster a safe environment for both staff and customers.
We urge all members of staff, whether they experience or witness sexual harassment, to report it to a member of management as soon as possible
What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination. It takes place when someone is subjected to unwelcome and unwanted sexual behaviour or other conduct related to their gender.
Harassment is defined by law in the Equality Act 2010 as ‘unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic, which has the purpose or effect of violating an individual’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that individual’. In the case of sexual harassment, the relevant protected characteristic is ‘sex’.
Behaviour that constitutes sexual harassment includes:
- Unwelcome behaviour of a sexual nature, this may be either physical or verbal.
- Inappropriate or suggestive remarks or verbal sexual advances.
- Indecent comments, jokes or innuendos relating to a person’s looks or private life.
- Unwanted physical contact such as hugging, kissing or inappropriate touching.
- Requests for sexual favours.
- The display or circulation of pornography or indecent images.
- Remarks about one’s clothing or appearance.
- Sexually offensive jokes.
- Comments about someone’s sexual orientation/gender.
- Assault or rape.
Often, this kind of behaviour may be brushed off by the harasser as ‘banter’ or harmless flirting. It is important to remember that the impact the behaviour had is the most important factor, it is not so relevant whether the individual intended to cause offence, but rather that offence was caused by the conduct.
Witnessing and handling reports of sexual harassment of patrons
It is our responsibility as a bar and music venue to intervene on any incidents of sexual harassment in the premises. The venue can get very busy at times and therefore it can be difficult for us to keep a watchful eye on what is happening all throughout the place. Therefore, it is important that all members of staff continue to be aware of what they are looking out for and the best course of action. A member of management should be made aware of any harassment taking place as soon as possible.
Interventions to challenge such harassment includes:
- Keeping an eye on the situation.
- Speaking with the victim and perpetrator of the harassment.
- Asking the perpetrator to leave.
- Asking the victim what they would like to be done.
- Ensure the victim feels safe.
- Altering the door staff.
- Calling the police.