What to Know About Sexual Harassment
When you go to work, you may be focusing on serving customers, finishing projects, and generally getting tasks completed. However, some people focus on harassing co-workers, causing great distress and creating a hostile work environment.
Sexual harassment refers to unwanted conduct of a sexual nature. It does not have to be physical in nature. It can include verbal and non-verbal behaviors. These behaviors are illegal. Employees have the right to work in an environment free from harassment and discrimination.
But you might wonder: what is sexual harassment? It is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other harassment of a sexual nature.
Sexual harassment can encompass various behaviors. It can also occur between people of the same or different genders.
Examples of Sexual Harassment
Examples of sexual harassment include:
- Inappropriate physical contact, such as groping, patting, or brushing against someone without their consent
- Unwanted actions like hugging, kissing, or touching intimate areas
- Blocking someone’s path or intruding on their personal space in a threatening manner
- Making sexually charged comments about a person’s appearance or body
- Asking intrusive questions about someone’s sexual history or preferences
- Persistently asking someone out despite repeated rejections
- Using sexually degrading language or offensive remarks
- Staring or leering in a way that feels invasive
- Making suggestive gestures or engaging in inappropriate body movements
- Displaying or distributing explicit materials, such as images or videos, in the workplace
- Sending messages, emails, or texts with sexual undertones or inappropriate content
Quid Pro Quo Harassment
Quid pro quo harassment is a form of sexual harassment that occurs only in the workplace. It occurs when employment benefits or opportunities are based on sexual activity. Quid pro quo means “this for that,” so if the victim complies with the perpetrator’s sexual demands, they can receive a raise, promotion, or other opportunities. On the other hand, if the victim does not comply with the employer’s sexual demands, they could be demoted or even face termination.
What to Do
Those facing sexual harassment in the workplace can file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). To do so, they must provide their name, the employer’s name, and a description of the harassment. They must also file the charge within 180 days of the last incident of harassment. The EEOC will then investigate the complaint.
An employment lawyer can also help you with your case. Be sure to gather evidence of the harassment, such as dates, times, and locations of incidents, as well as names of any witnesses and copies of communications such as emails, text messages, and any written evidence.
Contact Us Today
Sexual harassment is a common issue, but many victims fail to report it. There is fear of termination and other repercussions.
But you need to protect yourself and know your legal rights. A Mt. Juliet workplace sexual harassment lawyer from The Law Offices of Christopher Eads, PLLC can help you secure the justice you deserve. Schedule a consultation today to learn your legal options. Fill out the online form or call (615) 622-6060.
Source:
criterionhcm.com/blog/examples-of-sexual-harassment
