SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE WORKPLACE

Column: 3273

SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE WORKPLACE: * * *

24.

Mr Gautam Banerjee asked the Acting Minister for Manpower what action is the Government planning to take given the findings of the recent Research Study on Workplace Sexual Harassment 2008 by AWARE, which concluded that workplace sexual harassment in Singapore is clearly a growing social challenge that warrants attention and action both by Government and employers.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: Singapore has a range of laws against various forms of sexual harassment, including at the workplace. If the harassment is of a criminal nature, such as outrage of modesty under the Penal Code, or behaviour likely to cause harassment under the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order & Nuisance) Act, reports should be made to the Police, who will investigate the matter and take the appropriate actions.

For cases that do not involve a criminal breach, workers should report such behaviour directly to their management, or through their unions if they are union members. Should employers need advice or help in this area, they can approach the Singapore National Employers Federation for assistance. Workers may also seek advice from MOM on their courses of action.