South African Journal of Physiotherapy (Jan 2007)

The law and sexual harassment in the physiotherapy work environment in South Africa

  • L. Bütow-Dütoit,
  • C. A. Eksteen,
  • M. De Waal

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4102/sajp.v63i3.142
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 63, no. 3
pp. 37 – 44

Abstract

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This paper presents the legal framework within which sexual harassment of healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, may be managed in their work environment in South Africa. According to both international and national legal principles, sexual harassment is considered a form of discrimination. There are various statutes in South Africa that may assist physiotherapists when they seek redress after being sexually harassed. These entail labour-related laws, laws aimed at removing all forms of discrimination, as well as the criminal and civil pathways of seeking justice.