Legal definition
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that violates Section VII of the Civil Rights Act 1964.
Unwanted sexual harassment, requests for sexual desire, and other verbal or physical acts of a sexual nature.
Sexual harassment occurs when the acknowledgment or denial of such behavior clearly affects a person’s employment, unreasonable interference in a person’s life, performance of work or create an intimidating, hostile, or aggressive work environment.
Sexual harassment can occur in a variety of circumstances. Here are some of the examples:
The victim or abuser can be a woman or a man. It is not necessary to be of the opposite sex.
The attacker can be the victim’s supervisor, the employer’s representative, a supervisor in another area, an employee or a non-employee.
The victim does not have to be the harasser, but can be anyone affected by the abusive behavior.
Unlawful sexual harassment can occur without economic harm or separation of the victim.
The harassing behavior must be unwanted.
The hallmark of sexual harassment is that it is unwanted. It is important to make it clear to the offender that some actions are not welcome.
Types of Sexual Harassment
Sexual Harassment (most common):
General sexual statements and behaviors that convey degrading or degrading attitudes toward women or men. Examples: offensive comments, dirty jokes or humor about sex, etc.
Instinctive Behavior: Unwanted, Inappropriate, and Despised Sexual Temptation. Examples include repeated and unwanted sex invitations.
Date/dinner/urgent requests for drinks;
Sexual resistance: Confirmation of sexual activity or other sex-related behavior through the promise of a reward; the proposal can be open or subtle.
Sexual coercion: coercion to engage in sexual activity or other sexual behavior under threat of punishment; Examples include negative job reviews, retaining a promotion, threats of being fired.
Sex instruction: Coarse sexual imposition (such as touching, smelling, grabbing) or sexual assault/beating.
Any undesirable behavior the following could be sexual harassment:
Sexual exploitation stories
Sexual gestures
Whistles
Dating mediums
Unwanted touches / hugs
Discussions about one’s partner
`Accidentally` brush sexual body parts
Body notes women / men
Sexual jokes / cartoons
Embarrassing and Obscene Phone Letters
Women / Men Sabotage Jobs
Abuse
Sexual Prostitution
Revealing Clothes
Gifts that are not appropriate
Oppression or rubbing
Animal sounds etc.
Reactions / Effects
Sexual harassment can affect mental health. Physical well-being and career development
Reactions of a person being harassed may include:
Physiological reactions
Headaches
Gastrointestinal disorders
Sleep disorders, nightmares
Drowsiness
Dermatological reactions
Weight fluctuation
Phobias
Depression
Anxiety
Shock
Denial
Confusion
Feelings of helplessness
Anger
Shame
Self-consciousness
Low self-esteem
Insecurity
Shame
Feelings of betrayal
Guilt
Self-blame
Isolation
Career related effects
Decreased job satisfaction
Absenteeism
Poor school performance
Change in Career Education Goals
Reduced performance in study
How to protect yourself
Hold the attacker accountable for his actions.
Don’t make excuses for harassment, and don’t pretend it didn’t happen.
Control the meeting and tell people what the harasser is doing. Privacy protects abusers, but visibility weakens them.
Make honest and direct statements. Tell the truth (no intimidation, no disrespect, no vulgarity). Be serious, direct and frank.
Call for an end to harassment. Explain that everyone has the right to be free from sexual harassment.
Countering harassment is a matter of principle.
Answer at the appropriate level. Use a combined verbal and physical response to physical harassment.