SEXUAL HARASSMENT & ASSAULT

Sexual Harassment

 

Sexual harassment in the workplace is any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors, or other offensive verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Unfortunately, it has become a common form of employment discrimination, which can manifest itself in verbal, written, and/or physical forms. Regardless of what form it takes, federal law prohibits sexual harassment and assault under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. 

 

There are two primary types of sexual harassment:

• Quid pro quo: This type of sexual harassment is what often makes news headlines. It occurs when an employer, supervisor, or manager bases specific employment decisions on whether an employee complies with sexual demands. The employer may demand that an employee go on a date, have sexual intercourse, or allow the employer to touch her or him in certain ways in order to keep their job or get a promotion.

• Hostile work environment: Hostile work environment sexual harassment involves an employee who is subjected to unwanted sexual advances or conduct that interferes with his or her work performance, or creates a demoralizing and offensive work environment. The harasser may be a co-worker, manager, supervisor, independent contractor, customer, or other onsite third-party.