Sexual harassment has been a problem for decades, although only recently have the statistics been so shocking. At least 75% of people who experience harassment at work never report it to a supervisor or union representative. One reason for this is the fear of retaliation, but another is that the person isn’t sure whether it constitutes illegal harassment. Sexual harassment isn’t what it used to be, often taking on more subtle forms than a slap on the butt or an invitation for sex. However, harassment may often occur through emails and social media rather than face to face.
What Is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is specifically defined as unwelcome sexual advances or other types of sexual conduct based on power that is so severe and pervasive that the work environment is made hostile or abusive. It is patently illegal under the law and can be described as quid pro quo when it involves the threat of loss of job or status in the workplace or future job opportunities in exchange for acquiescing to sexual advances.
Harassment may be quid pro quo or hostile work environment. Sexual harassment might include the following types of conduct:
1 – Verbal comments such as jokes, requests for sexual favors, or vernacular of a sexual nature,
2 – Unwanted advances, such as touching, cornering, or kissing or
3 – Demands or pressure to engage in sexual activity.
Types of Inappropriate Conduct
The law prohibits a wide range of conduct that might be considered sexual harassment at work, including:
1 – Requests for sexual favors
2 – Unwelcome sexual flirtation
3 – Sexual jokes or innuendo
4 – Displaying sexually suggestive objects
5 – Intrusive questions about a person’s sex life
6 – Unnecessary touching, patting, or unwanted contact, hugging
7 – Circulating or showing pornographic material
8 – Lewd or obscene comments, or
9 – Unwelcome sexual advances.
Harassment may include any of the actions mentioned above. Most of the time, the harasser’s conduct is based on the harasser’s power, such as being a supervisor, or a supervisor’s friend, or in a position to punish or reward workers.
Identifying Harassment
If you’re being harassed at work, it’s important to identify what’s happening as quickly as possible. It’s especially important to make a list of the incidents, even if it seems insignificant, and keep the list in a safe place. Often, the incidents may not seem relevant to you. The more information you have, the better you’ll be able to judge whether the problem is severe enough to bother the police or an attorney. Make sure to keep receipts for things like taxi and bus fares because you may need to show that you tried to fix ix the situation before taking legal action.
Conclusion
If you’re being harassed at work or you see something happening that looks inappropriate or frightening, don’t hesitate to speak up. It’s your right to do your job free from harassment, and the law protects you. Contact a lawyer or the police if you feel you’re being harassed. It’s important to remember that an employer may be held responsible for sexual harassment by supervisors, managers, and co-workers that occurs in an organization because of its failure to take appropriate action when complaints are made.
Contact Ronemus and Vilensky if you need an accident and Malpractice Attorney. We are knowledgeable in all sexual harassment laws and will help you get the best outcome of your case.