Sexual violence in the workplace: It happens

The power imbalance that exists within companies and organizations creates an environment that gives rise to sexual violence cases, according to executive director Maisie B. Tenorio of the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.

Tenorio and coalition program coordinator Kiki Igitol Benjamin served as guest speakers at the Saipan Rotary Club general membership meeting held at the Hyatt Regency Saipan yesterday.

“We really encourage you all to look at the companies that you work with and your business partners to address the issue of sexual violence in your respective work areas,” Tenorio told Rotarians, noting that many sexual violence offenders use their company’s time and resources to violate others.

Benjamin said that sexual violence in all forms occurs in the workplace and can be perpetrated by a supervisor, a co-worker or a non-employee of the same or opposite sex, resulting in high costs not just for businesses but also for the local economy.

“Employers need to be aware that sexual violence correlates with decreased productivity, higher rates of absenteeism, and lower employee morale,” said Benjamin.

Sexual violence, Benjamin said, is among the underreported crimes in the Asia and Pacific Island communities, with shame, fear, and stigma being the reasons why 60 to 80 percent of victims do not report their cases.

Cases of sexual violence often reveal that majority of offenders are related or are known to the victims—a family member, a close friend or a co-worker, she added.

Benjamin underscored the importance of learning the facts about sexual violence in the workplace to help employers recognize the signs of sexual violence and learn to respond appropriately to promote safety and productivity.

She urged both employers and employees to take on their role to prevent sexual violence from happening in the workplace. She also asked businesses to establish sexual harassment policies and hold professional development trainings that promote appropriate workplace behaviors.

Benjamin disclosed that the coalition offers technical assistance in developing sexual harassment policies, conducting in-service trainings, and providing resource materials to aid the human resource departments of local businesses.

She emphasized that individuals and business leaders in the community all have a personal responsibility to end sexual violence.

“Let us confront this crime and continue taking action in our community to stop sexual violence before it starts,” said Benjamin. “Together, we can increase awareness of sexual violence and decrease its frequency, promote healthy relationships, punish offenders, help victims, and heal lives.”

This year marks the third year for the coalition, with the collaboration of the Family Violence Task Force, to mark Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The theme, “It’s time…to talk about it! Connect. Respect. End Sexual Violence,” seeks to encourage community members to bring healthy sexuality and respect into the conversation to prevent sexual violence.

“By talking about ‘it’ we are making the connection that promoting healthy behavior encourages relationships that are consensual, respectful, and informed. Healthy sexuality is free from coercion and violence,” she added.

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