Sexual Harassment

Definition of Sexual Harassment

Any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Sexual Harassment Is Illegal When

Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment.
Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual.
Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment.

Types of Sexual Harassment

Physical
Grabbing, pinching, brushing up against or rubbing against, crowding, following.
Verbal
Whistles, catcalls, sexual comments, and sexual rumors.
Non-verbal
Facial gestures, hand gestures, writing on walls

Differences Between Sexual Harassment and Flirting

Flirting
- Mutual
- Both enjoy
- Complimentary: receiver feels good, wants to continue interaction. If either party begins to feel uncomfortable, it may cross the line to sexual harassment.
Sexual Harassment
- One person controls interaction
- Receiver feels scared, confused, an "object"
- Degrading, not mutual and reciprocal. No desire to continue interaction.

What to do if it happens to you

Follow the sexual harassment policy and procedure that is used by your school district or workplace. If there is no existing policy and procedure, use this one.

Step 1:

Communicate to your harasser (if you feel safe doing so)

what you are feeling, and
that you expect the behavior to stop. You may do this verbally or in writing. If you choose, you may get help and support from a friend, parent, professional, or other trusted adult.

Step 2:

If the behavior is repeated, go to a person in authority, such as a principal, counselor, complaint manager, or supervisor. Document exactly what happened. Give a copy of your written record to the authority, and keep one for yourself.

Your documentation should include the following information. Use exact quotes where appropriate and whenever possible.

What happened
When it happened
Where it happened
Who did the harassing
Who the witnesses were (if any)
What you said and/or did in response to the harassment
How your harasser responded to you
How you felt about the harassment

Step 3:

If the behavior is repeated again go to a person in higher authority, such as a school board member, the superintendent of schools, the president of the college. the company president, etc. Keep documenting the behavior.

At any point in this process, you may choose to contact the Office of Civil Rights, your State Department of Education, your State Department of Human Rights, an attorney, or a police officer.

Resource Agencies

Office of Civil Rights
EEOC: 1-800-669-EEOC

Local Program for Victims of Sexual Assault
New Directions: 397-4357
Police/Sheriff's Department: 911