Sexual Harassment

Sexual Harassment is a type of harassment involving the use of explicit or implicit sexual overtones, including unwelcome or inappropriate promises of rewards in exchange for sexual favors. It includes a range of actions from mild transgressions to sexual abuse or assault.

Sexual harassment is subject to a directive in the European Union against harassment and sexual harassment, and in the United States by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In India, the case of Vishakha v. State of Rajasthan in 1997 provided the first definition of sexual harassment and guidelines to deal with it.

Definition

Sexual harassment is bullying or coercion of a sexual nature, or the unwelcome or inappropriate promise of rewards in exchange for sexual favors. In most modern legal contexts, sexual harassment is illegal. Laws surrounding sexual harassment generally do not prohibit simple teasing, offhand comments, or minor isolated incidents.

Types

Sexual harassment can occur in a variety of circumstances. These may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The harasser can be anyone, such as a client, a co-worker, a parent or legal guardian, relative, a teacher or professor, a student, a friend, or a stranger.
• The victim does not have to be the person directly harassed but can be anyone who finds the behavior offensive and is affected by it.
• The place of harassment does not need to be in the workplace but can be in any public place, such as on public transportation or in public streets.

Effects

The effects of sexual harassment can range from psychological to physical and can include depression, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. Workplace sexual harassment can also negatively impact job satisfaction and overall job performance.

Prevention

Prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace requires a commitment from management to provide a safe and respectful environment. This can be achieved through policies, procedures, and training that address sexual harassment.

See also

• Sexual assault
• Workplace bullying
• Sex discrimination

Sexual Harassment Resources
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