Sexual harassment is a serious issue in offices and workplaces across California, and it often goes unreported. It’s important for people to know exactly what to look for so they’ll know when they’re being harassed and when something needs to be done. There are many ways in which sexual harassment can manifest itself, and the following are four common examples:
1. Someone asks you for sexual favors. This could be done by a boss who believes you’ll give in to avoid being fired, for example. It could be done by someone who tells you you’ll get something — like a raise — as a result.
2. Someone won’t stop talking about your body or your intimate relationships. Questions and comments that feel too personal often are, especially if you ask the person to stop making such remarks and they fail to do so.
3. Someone uses gender-based slurs or makes sexual jokes. They may try to act like they were just kidding around and so it’s no big deal, but it can easily cross a line. Again, this is especially an issue if you ask the person to stop and they don’t, as it can create a hostile work environment.
4. Someone uses electronic means to send explicit messages, pictures, videos and more. This could range from an explicit picture sent via text message, for example, to inappropriate comments made on social media.
These are just four examples and the list by no means covers all of the types of harassment in the workplace. However, it gives you an idea of how different each case can look. If any of this has been happening to you, make sure you know what legal options you have.
Source: The Fire, “Examples of Sexual Harassment,” accessed Dec. 01, 2016