Sexual Harassment: Topic for Serious Discussion, Understanding & Resolution

Most Common (it seems)

(Male to Female)

Uncommon (but it happens)

(Female to Male)

Also Uncommon (also happens)

(Male to Male)

Also Uncommon (but happens)

(Female to Female)

Sexual Harassment: In layman’s terms what is means for most people but easily misunderstood as well: Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature in the workplace or learning environment, according to the EEOC.

Sexual harassment does not always have to be specifically about sexual behavior or directed at a specific person. For example, negative comments about women as a group may be a form of sexual harassment. 

Although sexual harassment laws do not usually cover teasing or offhand comments, these can also be upsetting and have a negative emotional effect.

Sexual Harassment Law. Sexual harassment is covered by Title VII of the U.S. Code (1964) – the law against sexual discrimination in the workplace. 

It occurs when someone engages in unwelcome sexual conduct in the workplace that affects you, your job, the work environment, as well as others in the workplace. 

Under the law, monitored by the EEOC, there are two types of sexual harassment claims:

1. Quid pro quo claim (e.g., something for something).

2. Hostile environment claim (e.g., working situation is unpleasant).

The (EEOC) says that it is against the law:

1. To harass a person because of that person’s sex.

2. To make unwelcome sexual advances.

3. To seek or request sexual favors.

4. To touch someone inappropriately.

5. To make sexual remarks.

6. To engage in sexual bullying.

7. To share sexually-offensive jokes.

Anything sexual that creates a hostile work environment is considered sexual harassment and thus unlawful.

Important to Remember: Sexual harassment is not limited to male-to-female abuse even though it is by far the most common form of harassment.

However, female-to-female sexual harassment; male-to-male sexual harassment; and female-to-male sexual harassment also takes place and is against the law (and is more common than one may think) (see the photos above)

The law usually does not apply to isolated incidents of teasing or offhand remarks, but it becomes sexual harassment when it creates a toxic work environment, or results in adverse conditions (threat of being fired or reprimanded due to sexual harassment).

My 2 cents: I hope this helps to under the issue of sexual harassment – not an issue easily understood as outlined above and in other sources (check them out too). 

More so these days after all the news about so many famous people accused like former president Trump and now Gov. Andrew Cuomo (NY), and people before those high profile cases (Hollywood types) other TV personalities, et al with horrible results in fact; others nothing: Bill Cosby; Harvey Weinstein; Britney Spears; Bill Clinton; Bret Kavanaugh) – yes that list is very long (more here FYI).

This is a very serious and timely topic. 

Full investigations are need in every case to get the truth that both protects the innocent and falsely the accused; punishes the guilty; prevents further incidents; and most-importantly helps the victims while striving to prevent more.

Thanks for stopping by.