Set severe penalty to deter other offenders

I REFER to the report “Doc could lose medical licence” ( The Star, Sept 19).

Sexual harassment is often swept under the carpet for fear of reprisal from the perpetrator as it more often than not happens in the workplace and is committed by someone in a supervisory or managerial position.

This evil act is committed by one who knows exactly when, where and how to harass the victim. The very fact that this person was told “to stop all this nonsense” shows that the management of the Sungai Buloh Hospital did not take the complaints lodged by the victims seriously.

I was a victim of sexual harassment at work and when I made a complaint to Human Resources, I was told to let it go, it’s just a joke, and not to take things seriously. But I pursued the matter until the perpetrator was held accountable.

The perception and attitude of management play a vital role in addressing and eradicating sexual harassment in the workplace. Their perception is somehow connected to how the victim dresses and acts, which is in no way an invitation to be sexually harassed. It’s all about the perpetrator wielding his skewed version of power over the victim.

The victims themselves must act immediately so that others are not subjected to the same harassment. It is extremely hard sometimes because of the shame and embarrassment they may feel or fear because of threats that have been made.

This particular doctor must be held accountable for what he has done. Set a precedent so that no one, especially those in positions of power, is allowed to think they are able to commit such vile acts and get away with it.

Justice must be served.

CLAIRE THAMBU Petaling Jaya