"Often he talked about sex in my direction, his hand was often laid on mine, I just happened to touch it while walking by, stood behind me on the pc and leaning too close to me, changing clothes in front of me But shame was great because I just could stand it. "
Thus, the former employee of a doctor's office remembers, "he" was her boss. She begins her e-mail to SPIEGEL with the words: "A few years ago, so I report rather little emotional." And ends: "All this was a mild but subtle sexual harassment over a long period of time, and that too is humiliating."
A few days ago, a new study by the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency showed that every eleventh working person has experienced sexual harassment in the workplace over the past three years. Women were most often affected - especially in industries where they regularly come into contact with customers.
Long mails with personal experiences
"What did you experience?", We asked our readers at the end of the text. And: "How did you defend yourself against inappropriate sayings, looks or touches?"
In response, we received some long e-mails, especially from women. Most were harassed even in the workplace, others have seen it with colleagues or clients.
What to do if the colleague grabs or the boss is constantly talking about sex?
A reader recommends: "One should not be discouraged, with self-confidence comes also the repartee. Playing through situations in the head helps in any case to find good answers."
Because she has the experience that many with inappropriate spells are not particularly inventive. "If a number works, they ride the dead." This is the opportunity for those who are not so quick-witted: "As soon as you hear the proverbs more often, you can look for an answer and get out - the eyes will be even bigger."
Another reader writes that she has experienced sexual harassment on the job several times - and what answers she has prepared for future situations:
"That makes me uncomfortable, leave that alone."
"I like having fun, but that's too much for me, we're here at Company X - not in a puff."
"What would your mother think of this spell?"
"Explain to me exactly what you mean by this saying I did not understand."
"Do you think that's appropriate?"
"This is not part of my job description."
It is important, writes the reader, that one dares to say anything at all - even if it is not the most effective slogan at the moment.
And a reader advises with regard to her own experiences and those of her circle of friends - for self-defense: "If only I had known then what I now know as a seasoned adult, I'm just glad that I can handle my big daughter with more self-confidence and 'Psychokaratekönnen' can discharge into the world when my mother dismissed me at that time, and after her first own experiences, our great one starts now with Krav Maga, some things are inevitable. "