Abuse, bullying, harassment, discrimination and violence

Abuse, bullying, harassment, discrimination and/or violence (ABHDV) is distressing for anyone who experiences it, but we understand that this is even more complicated for seafarers and yacht crew because of the nature of their employment, and that their workplace is also their home. Crew who are subjected to ABHDV are likely to have ongoing interactions with the perpetrator because they live alongside each other, which may cause ongoing distress. Experiences with ABHDV can lead crew to feel further isolated or unsafe and may result in serious consequences for their mental and physical health.

Everyone deserves to feel safe. It may be difficult for someone to understand or acknowledge that they are being subjected to ABHDV. We describe these in more detail below. However, regardless of which type of ABHDV you are experiencing, the most important thing to consider is your safety and how interacting with someone else makes you feel.

How ISWAN can support you

As a seafarer or yacht crew, it may feel like you are alone in this, but ISWAN is here for you, and we care. We believe that everyone deserves to feel safe at work and at home.

There are many reasons why crew experiencing ABHDV contact our helplines. Most importantly is that talking about it helps. We offer a confidential and non-judgemental listening ear to those who want to talk about how they are feeling in their own language, and we empower crew to consider the decisions that best work for them to stay safe at work.

Occasionally crew contact us because they feel their company has not effectively dealt with their complaint or they feel they have been ignored. In these cases, we will try to find an alternative and confidential way to help.

If you or a family member is experiencing any form of abuse, bullying, harassment, discrimination and/or violence while at sea, ISWAN is here for you. Contact us at any time:

SeafarerHelp – for all seafarers and their families
YachtCrewHelp – for yacht crew

Other sources of support

All employers should have clear policies in place for dealing with ABHDV, and all crew should feel comfortable to report incidents in line with company procedures. If you are an employer, useful guidance on this topic can be downloaded in our Resources section below.

If you are a seafarer and a member of a professional organisation such as a union, or if you are yacht crew and a member of a professional organisation such as Nautilus or the PYA, you can consult them if you are experiencing ABHDV on board. It is especially important to seek help if you feel a report has been ignored or is still ongoing despite measures to tackle it. If you are not sure whether to make a report or have questions about where to find support, please contact us:

SeafarerHelp – for all seafarers and their families
YachtCrewHelp – for yacht crew

More information: What is abuse, bullying, harassment, discrimination and violence?

Abuse is the misuse of power through which a perpetrator gains control or advantage of an individual or group, by using and causing physical or psychological harm or inciting fear of that harm. There are many types of abuse including physical, sexual, emotional, financial, and discriminatory. For more information on sexual abuse or violence, please see sexual violence.

Bullying is a form of harassment that includes hostile or vindictive behaviour, repeated over time, which causes the recipient(s) to feel threatened or intimidated. It creates a threatening or intimidating work environment, which results from physical contact, verbal attacks, and/or psychological manipulation. Bullying involves a power imbalance between the perpetrator and the recipient(s). It might be intentional, vindictive, cruel or malicious. However, it can also be an unintended outcome of someone’s behaviour. Regardless of the perpetrator’s intent, bullying is not acceptable. For more information, please see Resources below.

Harassment is a form of discrimination that has the purpose or effect of violating the dignity of a person and of creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. There are many types of harassment including verbal, written, visual, and physical. It typically a repeated or persistent pattern of behaviour that involves words, conduct or actions that are directed at a specific person. As a result, it can cause significant emotional distress in that person. It serves no legitimate purpose in discipline or training, despite what perpetrators may claim.

Discrimination is any attitude, culture of work and/or measure that gives unfair treatment (positive or negative) to individuals or groups of individuals in similar circumstances. It is a process by which advantages and disadvantages are applied to individuals or groups over others. Discrimination can be based on gender identity, race, ethnic origin, religion, socioeconomic status, or other factors.

Violence is words or actions that threaten, inflict, or attempt to inflict harm on another person or group of others. Although violence may be considered a straightforward physical act, violence can be physical, sexual and/or emotional in nature. For more information on sexual abuse or violence, please see sexual violence.

Resources

For all crew: