Sexual Harassment

Millions of workers have experienced sexual harassment during their careers. Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other conduct of a sexual nature that affects an individual’s work, or creates an intimidating or offensive work environment.

This usually takes the form of men harassing women, but men and women can also experience sexual harassment from someone of the same gender.

Sexual Harassment takes various forms.

In these and other instances, the sexual comment or action between workers is oftentimes secondary. Rather, the underlying power dynamic is central to understanding the nature of the harassment and what steps were done once the harassment was brought to others’ attention.

Inappropriate or unwanted sexual conduct can include:

• Promising a promotion or raise (or threatening a demotion or reduction in pay) in exchange for sexual favors or increased attention
• General sexual comments that denigrate a particular sex.
• Unwelcome and inappropriate touching, such as hugging, pinching, and massaging.
• Comments about one’s appearance or body
• Asking questions about a person’s sexual history, orientation or preferences, and other prodding questions about a person’s private romantic relationships.