Workplace sexual harassment can take many forms, ranging from subtle comments to overt physical actions. Regardless of the form it takes, all types of sexual harassment are unacceptable and can create a hostile and uncomfortable work environment for employees. Understanding the various types of workplace sexual harassment is essential to recognizing and addressing inappropriate behavior. These types can generally be categorized into three main categories: verbal, non-verbal, and physical harassment.
Verbal Harassment
Verbal sexual harassment involves the use of words, jokes, comments, or propositions of a sexual nature. This can include unsolicited remarks about an individual’s appearance, body, or sexual preferences. It also encompasses inappropriate jokes or comments that are sexual, such as insinuations about someone’s sexuality, attractiveness, or comments about their clothing. Sometimes, verbal harassment takes the form of repeated requests for dates or sexual favors after being declined. Such remarks often contribute to a work environment where individuals feel disrespected or degraded.
Examples of verbal harassment include:
- Suggestive comments about a person’s physical appearance or attire.
- Inappropriate jokes, innuendo, or sexual humor.
- Making sexual comments or suggestions, such as asking personal questions about someone’s sex life.
- Asking or pressuring someone for dates or sexual favors, especially after being rejected.
Non-Verbal Harassment
Non-verbal harassment consists of any non-verbal behavior that creates a sexually charged atmosphere in the workplace. This can include leering, inappropriate gestures, or making sexually suggestive facial expressions. Non-verbal harassment can also involve the display of sexually explicit material, such as pornography or inappropriate images on workplace computers or posters in the office. Another form of non-verbal harassment is sending unsolicited sexually explicit messages, such as explicit text messages, emails, or social media posts.
Examples of non-verbal harassment include:
- Staring, leering, or making inappropriate facial expressions.
- Displaying sexually suggestive images, posters, or calendars in shared workspaces.
- Sending sexually explicit or suggestive emails, text messages, or social media messages.
- Making gestures such as winking, blowing kisses, or suggesting sexual acts with body language.
Physical Harassment
Physical sexual harassment involves unwanted physical contact or behavior of a sexual nature. This can range from touching, patting, or brushing up against someone inappropriately to more severe forms of physical harassment, such as assault or attempted sexual assault. Physical harassment is often the most blatant form of sexual harassment and can result in immediate legal consequences for the perpetrator. It’s important to note that physical harassment doesn’t always involve direct sexual contact; even non-sexual but unwanted physical touch can be considered harassment if it creates a hostile work environment.
Examples of physical harassment include:
- Unwanted touching, such as patting, grabbing, or brushing up against someone.
- Kissing, groping, or other forms of inappropriate physical contact.
- Physically cornering someone or blocking their path in a way that intimidates or makes them feel unsafe.
- Making sexual gestures that involve physical actions, such as attempting to kiss or embrace someone without consent.
Each of these forms of sexual harassment can create an environment where individuals feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or disrespected. The emotional toll of harassment can lead to anxiety, depression, and even a decline in job performance. Organizations need to have clear policies and procedures for preventing and addressing sexual harassment, ensuring that employees feel empowered to report incidents without fear of retaliation. Creating a culture of respect, accountability, and inclusion is essential to maintaining a safe and productive work environment for all employees. Victims should contact a workplace sexual harassment lawyer to find out what legal recourse they may have.
Thank you to our friends at Hoyer Law Group, PLLC for their insight into workplace sexual harassment.