The recent sexual harassment scandal on the Mainland is not just another isolated case of corporate misconduct; It is a mirror that reflects an alarming reality in our society.
This incident should serve as a wake-up call to us all, highlighting the urgency of combating the culture of harassment and abuse that still persists in many workplaces.
It’s time to act and transform outrage into concrete changes.
The incident that exposed a toxic culture
In January 2023, a Continente store director was accused of groping a worker while she was working in the kitchen, calling her “good thing“.
This disgusting act not only violated the victim’s rights, but also exposed a culture where power is abused and women are objectified. This type of behavior is unacceptable and must be eradicated.
This case highlights how power is often used to intimidate and silence victims.
The objectification of women in the workplace creates a hostile environment that undermines workers’ confidence and morale.
The presence of such behaviors suggests systemic flaws in corporate practices, which must be addressed urgently.
It is imperative that companies understand that tolerating such acts not only harms the victims, but also negatively affects the entire organization, compromising productivity and its reputation.
The company’s response: late action?
Although Continente acted quickly to fire the attacker, this measure raises questions about the effectiveness of its internal policies, as well as those of other companies.
Why was it necessary to reach such an extreme situation?
Companies must be proactive, not just reactive. It is clear that, despite all the training offered, some behaviors are difficult to eradicate.
They must implement robust policies and train their employees to prevent such incidents before they occur.
Transparency and accountability are key to ensuring that all workers feel safe in their work environment.
Companies’ late response often reflects a lack of commitment to creating safe environments.
Implementing mandatory sexual harassment training is just the beginning; A profound cultural change within organizations is necessary to prevent these types of incidents.
Companies need to adopt a holistic approach that goes beyond complying with legal obligations, integrating ethical values into the core of their corporate culture.
The impact on victims: far beyond the moment
Sexual harassment leaves deep scars on its victims.
Women who face this type of abuse often carry an emotional and psychological burden that affects their professional and personal lives.
The courage shown by the worker in reporting the abuse, especially as it was the director, is admirable, but should not be necessary in an environment where respect and dignity are guaranteed.
Victims often face lasting consequences, including anxiety, depression, and loss of trust in themselves and others.
Furthermore, the stigma associated with harassment can lead to social isolation and discrimination in the workplace, further exacerbating the trauma experienced.
The impact extends beyond the individual, affecting entire families and communities.
Everyday examples:
- Women who are verbally harassed on the streets;
- Inappropriate comments by colleagues in the workplace;
- Unwanted touching on public transport or social events.
These situations are very common and often underestimated, but they have a real impact on women’s lives.
Recognizing these daily experiences is essential to understanding the extent of the problem and developing effective strategies to combat it.
The culture of silence: a vicious cycle
Many victims choose not to report harassment out of fear of reprisal or disbelief in the judicial system.
This culture of silence allows attackers to remain unpunished.
It is essential to create environments where complaints can be made without fear.
Companies must implement anonymous reporting channels, guarantee full protection for whistleblowers and ensure an impartial process in handling reports.
Distrust in institutional systems for managing complaints prevents many victims from seeking justice.
To break this vicious cycle, it is essential to develop transparent, reliable and impartial systems that encourage victims to speak out without fear of retaliation or discredit.
Fostering a culture where workers feel supported when reporting incidents is essential to driving meaningful change.
Legal literacy: knowledge is power
To effectively combat harassment, it is vital that everyone fully understands their rights.
Legal literacy empowers victims by empowering them to take informed action against their attackers.
It is essential to simplify legal language and make educational resources accessible to everyone.
Educational measures
- Inclusion of rights education in school curricula;
- Community workshops on harassment prevention;
- Using technology to share legal information that is clear and understandable to everyone.
Rights education must start from an early age, empowering people to identify inappropriate behavior and react appropriately.
Additionally, making accessible resources available can demystify complex processes, making them more understandable for victims.
Preventive measures: more than the basics
Mandatory sexual harassment trainings are just the beginning.
Companies must adopt:
- Secure channels for anonymous reports;
- Strict zero tolerance harassment policies;
- Regular assessments of the organizational environment;
- Comprehensive training programs for all workers;
- Training programs aimed at protecting employees in vulnerable situations.
These measures must be integrated into an organizational culture that values mutual respect and actively promotes diversity and inclusion.
The incorporation of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles is vital in this matter, as it not only reinforces companies’ commitment to ethical practices, but can also serve as a commercial asset.
Companies that publicize the adoption of these measures can differentiate themselves in the market, attracting customers and investors who value social responsibility.
Therefore, companies must be willing to continually review their practices and policies to ensure truly safe environments for all workers.
Legal consequences of harassment in Portugal
Harassment has legal implications in Portugal.
Victims are entitled to compensation for material and moral damages, and companies are required to adopt strict codes of conduct.
Furthermore, harassment can constitute a crime, allowing victims to take legal action.
Laws in Portugal provide a comprehensive legal framework to protect victims, but their effectiveness depends on them being correctly applied by authorities.
Companies must also ensure that their internal policies comply with current legislation.
The role of society: a collective responsibility
We cannot expect companies alone to solve this systemic problem.
As a society, we have a responsibility to educate about respect and consent from an early age, support victims who report abuse, and fight for the correct application of harassment legislation.
Cultural change begins when each person takes responsibility for their actions and actively promotes respectful environments in all areas of public and private life.
Community initiatives can play a key role in educating about consent and mutual respect from an early age.
The Continent case should serve as a turning point.
We cannot continue to tolerate a culture that allows abuse from those in positions of power.
Each of us has a responsibility to contribute to creating safe and respectful environments.
Change starts now, with us — especially with women, who must feel empowered to demand respect and equality in all aspects of their lives.
Confidence in the judicial system is reinforced by the rapid recognition of the harassment situation, with the Évora Court of Appeal making a decision in less than two years since the events that occurred on January 12, 2023.
Together, we can build a society where harassment is the exception and not the rule.
Transformation requires coordinated efforts among governments, businesses and citizens to create effective policies against sexual harassment in the workplace and beyond.
Only through collective action can we guarantee a future where everyone can work without fear or intimidation.
It’s time to turn words into concrete actions — because every step toward justice reinforces the foundations of universally shared human dignity.
