Sexual harassment is behavior that is unwelcome, sexual in nature and connected in some way with a person’s job or work environment. A wide range of behaviors can meet these criteria, hence it is difficult to provide an all-inclusive list of prohibited conduct. Leadership is the key. Professionalism, mutual respect and dignity are the strongest forms of prevention against sexual harassment.
Complaints. There are no requirements under any regulations that the victim complain. However, the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) encourages victims to make the situation known to the immediate superior. Whether received formally or informally, the commander is required to investigate and take the necessary actions to ensure a work environment free from sexual harassment.
Processing Times. Sexual harassment cases do not get better with time. Accordingly, mandatory processing times have been established by the chief of naval operations as follows:
· Investigations (whether formal or informal) must commence within three days or less of initial notification.
· Notification of commencement of the investigation must be given to the complainant within 24 hours.
· Resolution of the case should be completed within 14 days from commencement of the investigation. Resolution includes completion of the investigation, determination of the validity of the allegations and administrative/disciplinary action (e.g. counseling, non-judicial punishment, preferring of charges, etc.). Additionally, the complainant must be notified of the command decisions within 14 days from investigation commencement.
Informal Resolution System (IRS). The IRS was initiated by SECNAV to help resolve interpersonal conflicts at the lowest possible level. It is a tool that can be used to resolve many of the less severe forms of discrimination, harassment or other inappropriate behavior. The system encourages recipients of offensive behavior to try to resolve the conflict directly with the offending person with the assistance of a counselor.
Advice “Hotline.” The Sexual Harassment Prevention
Advice “Hotline” is an anonymous hotline staffed by
fully trained Equal Opportunity Specialists. The advice line
is a resource for service members and Department of the Navy civilians
to anonymously ask questions about the Navy’s policy or for
those who might have been sexually harassed to call and ask for
advice or counseling. The numbers are (800) 253-0931, (703) 614-2735,
DSN 224-2735. The phones are manned from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.