Sexual harassment can be defined in many ways. At its core, the simplest sexual harassment definition is a form of discrimination that occurs when someone is subjected to unwelcome sexual advances or comments or is treated differently because of their sex.
What is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination that occurs when someone is subjected to unwelcome sexual advances or comments or is treated differently because of their sex. It can happen to anyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Sexual harassment is not about sex or sexual attraction, and it is about power.
Sexual harassment can happen to anyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. It is important to remember that sexual harassment is not about sex or sexual attraction; it is about using someone’s sex to control, demeanor harm them.
When exposed to such, you need to consult a sexual harassment lawyer to help you with the next steps. Sexual harassment can take many different forms, and the line between what is and isn’t sexual harassment can sometimes be blurry. However, there are some common examples of sexual harassment that can help understand what it is. These examples include:
1) Verbally harassing someone with sexual comments or innuendos: This can include making lewd comments about someone’s body, telling sexual jokes that make the person feel uncomfortable, or repeatedly asking someone out after they have said no.
2) Physically harassing someone sexually: This can involve anything from unwanted touching to rape or attempted rape. It can also include making someone engage in a sexual act against their will.
3) Displaying sexual images or videos without consent can include showing someone pornography, sending them sexually explicit messages or emails, or posting sexually explicit pictures of them online without their permission.
4) Making someone feel like they have to engage in sexual activity: This can happen when someone in a position of power, such as a boss or teacher, tries to coerce someone into having sex with them or performing sexual acts.
5) Creating a hostile work environment: This can occur when the workplace is filled with sexual comments and innuendos, sexually explicit pictures or videos are displayed, or unwanted touching or sexual advances.
There are two main types of sexual harassment that your sexual harassment attorney needs to know: quid pro quo and hostile environment.
- Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs when someone in a position of power, such as a supervisor or boss, demands sexual favors from an employee in exchange for something, such as a promotion or raise. If the employee refuses to comply, they may be fired or demoted.
- Hostile environment sexual harassment occurs when someone is subjected to offensive, unwelcome, and sexually charged behavior that makes it difficult to do their job or creates an intimidating or hostile work environment. This type of sexual harassment can be committed by anyone, regardless of their position within the company.
If you have been the victim of either type of sexual harassment, it is essential to consult with a sexual harassment lawyer to discuss your legal options. Sexual harassment is a serious issue, and you should not hesitate to seek legal help if you have been subjected to it.