Office politics have long included sexual harassment. One way to distinguish low risk flirtations from harassment is a matter of who has the power. The saying, “absolute power corrupts absolutely” might well have been invented about sexual harassment and abuse issues.

As long as there is relatively little physical danger, handling the situation through the use of common sense and the chain of command is usually sufficient.

• Avoid being alone with the offending party. Do not get caught in an office, hall, or elevator. If that means waiting for the next elevator car, do so.

• Stay alert when moving around inside the building. Time trips to the restroom, break room, and copy room to coincide with high traffic times of the day.

• Ask around. If you are being harassed, odds are you are not the only one who has been approached, especially if the offender has worked for the company for a while.

However, once physical contact is made and your physical safety is threatened, that means the situation has changed requiring a change in tactics.

• Consider adding a non-lethal weapon to your key ring. There are many variations which are not bulky but still do the job.

• Alert the appropriate law enforcement agency, as well as company and building security officials.

• Never leave the building unattended. Plan trips to and from your vehicle with co-workers.

• Figure out escape routes, just in case. It is better to have several in mind and not need them than to need one and not know where to run.