Netiquette

Dealing with sexual harassment needs to be informed by netiquette and trauma-informed care considering that its perpetration is expanding not only in public spaces but also online.

Sexual harassment exists because of harassers. Do not give them the satisfaction of you being defeated. Take action against harassment and let SIDRA be your guide:

• Self-care. Consider Threat Modeling and reclaim your safety (watch this video courtesy of Childnet International for related information). Remember, it is not your fault.

• Identify the abuse. Note the evolving language of this kind of violence especially online. 

• Document. Take down important details such as the date, time, location, witness, and the act(s) of sexual harassment. For tips, see Documentation basics + Evidence preservation with sample.

• Report. If and when you are ready, report the sexual harasser to OASH by emailing oash.upcebu@up.edu or accomplishing the In-take Form.

• Assess the fight. Seek advice on available University Procedures and/or court action for the redress of your grievance. 

Watch this video courtesy of Childnet International for more information about putting an end to online sexual harassment.

OASH is ready to receive any report or complaint of sexual harassment affecting our UP Cebu Community, whether anonymously or not. However, for reported sexual harassment to be actionable by OASH according to available University Procedures, the UP ASH Code in section 16(a) specifically requires that the report should be: 

• done in writing

• signed by the person reporting/complaining of the incident (whose connection with UP Cebu and that of the person complained of need to be validated on jurisdictional consideration), and 

• notarized. 

In case of verbal report/complaint, OASH shall facilitate the documentation. In coordination with the Legal Office, OASH shall also facilitate the needed notarization. 

This does not mean that anonymous complaints will not be addressed. They will still be, only that the manner of addressing them will not be similar to what OASH is empowered to do if complaints comply with the strict requirements of the UP ASH Code. 

OASH is currently exploring ways to have an enabling environment for the reporting of sexual harassment in UP Cebu beyond the strict provisions of the UP ASH Code. This includes addressing anonymous complaints to hold true to its zero tolerance of sexual harassment. You can help by sending your suggestions to oash.upcebu@up.edu.ph. Workable suggestions that are in accord with due process of law will be incuded in the policy recommendations of OASH in its annual report to the Chancellor.