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What is Sexual Harassment?

Published in Harassment Prevention 4 mins read

Sexual harassment refers to any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment, or that interferes with an individual's work, educational, or social opportunities. It is about power and control, not attraction, and can affect anyone, regardless of gender.

Understanding what constitutes sexual harassment is crucial for fostering safe and respectful environments. It encompasses a wide range of behaviors, from verbal comments to physical acts, all characterized by their unwelcome and sexual nature.

Defining Unwelcome Conduct

The core element of sexual harassment is that the behavior is unwelcome. This means the recipient did not invite or solicit the conduct, and regards it as undesirable or offensive. The unwelcomeness is determined by the recipient's perspective, not the harasser's intent.

Behaviors that fall under the umbrella of sexual harassment often include:

  • Unwanted pressure for sexual favors or demands for sexual acts, often implied or explicit, in exchange for job benefits, academic advantages, or to avoid negative consequences.
  • Unwanted physical contact, such as deliberate touching, leaning over, cornering, pinching, or any other non-consensual physical interaction of a sexual nature.
  • Unwanted sexual looks or gestures, including leering, suggestive winks, or obscene gestures.
  • Unsolicited communications through various means, like unwanted letters, telephone calls, emails, text messages, or the display of materials of a sexual nature (e.g., pornography, sexually explicit images).

Common Forms of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment typically manifests in two primary forms:

Form of Harassment Description Example
Quid Pro Quo Latin for "something for something," this type of harassment occurs when employment or academic decisions (such as hiring, firing, promotion, grades, or assignments) are based on the submission to or rejection of unwelcome sexual advances. It involves a person in a position of power. A supervisor telling an employee they will receive a promotion if they go on a date with them, or threatening to fire them if they refuse.
Hostile Environment This arises when unwelcome sexual conduct is so severe or pervasive that it alters the conditions of employment or education, creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or learning environment. It does not require a tangible economic injury but focuses on the impact on the individual's ability to perform or feel safe. Persistent sexually suggestive jokes, comments, pictures, or unwanted touching that makes an employee feel uncomfortable and affects their ability to concentrate on work.

Impact and Prevention

The effects of sexual harassment can be profound, leading to psychological distress, reduced job performance, and a general feeling of insecurity for the victim. It undermines morale, productivity, and creates a toxic atmosphere.

To address and prevent sexual harassment, organizations and individuals can take several steps:

  • Implement clear policies: Establish and widely communicate comprehensive anti-harassment policies with clear definitions, reporting procedures, and consequences for harassers.
  • Provide regular training: Educate all employees or students on what constitutes harassment, how to recognize it, and how to report it. Training should also cover bystander intervention.
  • Ensure accessible reporting mechanisms: Create safe, confidential, and multiple channels for reporting harassment, ensuring victims feel comfortable coming forward without fear of retaliation.
  • Conduct thorough investigations: Respond promptly and impartially to all complaints, conducting fair and timely investigations, and taking appropriate corrective action.
  • Foster a culture of respect: Promote a workplace or educational environment where respect, professionalism, and equality are core values, encouraging open communication and zero tolerance for harassment.
  • Support victims: Offer resources such as counseling services and support groups to help those who have experienced harassment.

For more information, you can consult resources from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or organizations like UN Women which provide extensive guidance on this critical issue.