Sexual harassment in school just won't go away, teachers attending an ASTI in-service lecture were told last week. If sexual harassment is allowed continue "it always gets worse and becomes more embedded and more difficult to deal with", said lawyer Mary Honan, who addressed second-level teachers at ASTI headquarters in Dublin. "It's very important to respond promptly." she said.
It's important also, said Honan, that people keep records of any incidences or remarks because it's difficult to remember one year or two years later. Having a record makes a difference "because very often these cases come down to credibility. You need to have your facts clearly in your mind."
A problem of sexual harassment is best dealt with early and informally, she cautioned. Most people want the problem resolved. "Sometimes people don't understand that their behaviour is having this effect and it's possible to resolve it this way. Informal procedures are important."
Honan spoke of the importance of talking to colleagues and to one's union. "People feel terribly isolated in this situation," she said, "so member support is very important. A collective response is going to be the most effective one."
She sees "a sympathetic and serious response from management" as essential. A negative response can sometimes be worse than the harassment itself.
Teachers were told of the necessity for clear policies and complaints procedures in schools. Students must also know what behaviour will and will not be tolerated and effective sanctions must be there to back this up.
Honan pointed out that management has "a duty of care" towards its employees. For those wishing to prove management liability, it would be "less difficult . . . once the problem has been brought to the attention of the management . . . and they have failed to take any effective action".
Significant changes will come into effect, she said, when the Minister for Justice signs a commencement order for the 1997 Employment Equality Act. This deals with both gender and non-gender harassment for the first time.
"We are talking about a very broad definition of harassment under the new Act - it makes it very clear that it's in the employer's interest to have taken steps to prevent this kind of thing happening."
The in-service course on safety in schools was attended by up to 40 teachers from around the State. Other speakers included Dr Brendan Byrne, of De La Salle College, Churchtown, Dublin; Pat King, assistant general secretary of the ASTI; and Richard Wynne of the Work Research Centre.
