For those who believe they might be facing sexual workplace harassment, the Federal law has provisions that protect the employees from harassment, including sexual, that might affect their work growth or interfere with their well-being. Although not all behaviors can be categorized as sexual workplace harassment, knowing which activities fall under this umbrella is important. Here are seven instances that qualify for sexual workplace harassment and what to do.
Unwelcome Sexual Advances
This is a clear case of quid pro quo harassment. Your supervisor is offering you something—a raise, a promotion, etc.—in exchange for sexual favors. If you’re the victim of this type of harassment, it’s important to document everything. Keep a record of any conversations, text messages, or emails that support your claim.
If you feel comfortable doing so, tell the harasser to stop. If the behavior continues, reach out to your HR department or file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Gender-Based Slurs or Jokes
If you’re the target of demeaning comments or jokes based on your gender, it’s important to document the behavior. Write down when it happened, what was said, and who said it. Record how the behavior made you feel and how it affected your work. If the harassment continues, reach out to your HR department or file a complaint with the EEOC.
Propositions for Unwanted Sexual Activity
This is another form of quid pro quo harassment. Your supervisor may be offering you favors in exchange for sexual activity. As with other quid pro quo harassment forms, it’s important to note down everything you’re facing. While we understand this is easier said than done, remember that these notes will be crucial for your sexual harassment lawyer to put up a legitimate case for your compensation or justice.
Physical Assault
If you’ve been the victim of physical assault, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. You should also contact the police and file a report. Keep a copy of the report for your records.
If this was also a clear-cut case of sexual harassment, you should take action immediately. In addition to filing a police report, you can also file a complaint with the EEOC.
Lewd Comments or Gestures
Lewd comments or gestures are any unwelcome sexual comments or actions. This could include someone making sexually explicit remarks about your body or clothing or sexually touching you without consent. If you’re the target of this type of harassment, document everything. Document when it occurred, who did it, and the specifics.
Display of Lewd Photos, Videos, or Objects
If someone has displayed lewd photos, videos, or objects in your workplace, it’s important to document the behavior. Keep a record of when it occurred and where you saw the images. Make a note of how the behavior made you feel and how it affected your work.
This type of harassment can be difficult to prove, but it’s important to document it if the behavior escalates. If the harassment continues, reach out to your HR department or file a complaint with the EEOC.
Sexual Rumors
If you’ve been the target of sexual rumors, it’s important to reach out to HR and file a complaint. Keep a record of the rumors you’ve heard and who told them to you. Note down how the rumors made you feel and how they’ve affected your work.
Final Word
If you’ve been the victim of workplace sexual harassment, it’s important to take action. Keep a record of the behavior and reach out to your HR department or a sexual harassment lawyer. Taking action can help stop the harassment and make your workplace safer for everyone.
