Is touching co-workers OK?

[DrDeth]

@Sunny_Daze

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I agree that context matters. I also agree that not everything needs to go straight to HR. Issues involving bodily autonomy, however, should go to HR. HR needs to understand if this is a one-time thing or something that happens repeatedly. HR needs to make their own assessment of the seriousness of the complaint, and decide appropriate actions.
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That said, if I take you at your word that touching is “perfectly natural and usual way to communicate”, what I hear is that you do not respect the bodily autonomy of others, that you won’t respect my bodily autonomy, and that you think it’s a shame that you can’t just do as you’ve always done.

The world has changed (or, more accurately, is changing slowly). Someday, I hope that women will have the same rights over their bodies that men have over theirs.

One should have prior consent for all touch. If that has been established through friendship, great. Long working relationship and mutually understood boundaries, fantastic. One cannot presume that one has permission in the absence of verbal assent, however.
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Exactly. Report it.

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In summary, while context matters, one should have permission to initiate personal contact. Don’t touch unless you know it’s welcome.

Does that include handshakes?

That is a extreme way of thinking. And, itOk for you to feel that way, but not Ok for you to make everyone else hew to your personal standards.

If* you *feel uncomfortable to a light, innocent touch on the shoulder, that’s Ok. It’s your body. Just let them know.

I assume then, you refuse to shake hands?

If you report a light, innocent touch to HR, it will not go well for anyone. Including *you. *