Why does harassment occur

It may include sexual comments in the workplace, lewd e-mails, suggestive texts, inappropriate jokes or pictures, or repeated unwanted requests for dates or intimate contact. Sexual harassment also includes gender-based harassment, which is hostile behavior that is devoid of sexual interest but is undertaken because of the gender of the target.

Examples of gender-based harassment include:. Anti-harassment policies and one-off training designed to limit employer liability do not adequately confront power and control and its impact on the workplace, especially when compounded by broader societal inequities.

Sexual harassment and violence is undoubtedly a symptom of a greater epidemic of gender disparity, as well as other inequities in our society that impact workplace culture.

It limits all workplace stakeholders — employees, coworkers, employers — in realizing their fullest potential. Employers , coworkers especially men , unions , and advocates must analyze their workplace culture for gaps in gender equity, consistently train on bystander intervention , and adopt best practices in prevention that assure confidentiality and protections against retaliation.

Only then will workplace culture shift away from the silence and alienation that fosters sexual harassment and violence, and move toward accountability, respect, equity, and safer workplaces for all. The information provided herein is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice from Futures Without Violence, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter.

This project is supported by Grant No. Que es la Linea de Ayuda? Sexual Harassment. What is sexual harassment? What does sexual harassment look like? Some forms of sexual harassment include: Making conditions of employment or advancement dependent on sexual favors, either explicitly or implicitly.

Physical acts of sexual assault. Requests for sexual favors. Verbal harassment of a sexual nature, including jokes referring to sexual acts or sexual orientation.

Unwanted touching or physical contact. Unwelcome sexual advances. Feeling pressured to engage with someone sexually. Exposing oneself or performing sexual acts on oneself. Unwanted sexually explicit photos, emails, or text messages. What is the difference between sexual harassment and sexual assault? What about sexual misconduct? Attempted rape. Fondling or unwanted sexual touching. Where can sexual harassment occur? What can I do when I witness sexual harassment?

Create a distraction. Do what you can to interrupt the harassment, or distract those taking part in the harassment. If someone seems like they could become violent, do not draw their attention.

Breadcrumb Home Guides Employment and skills Manage problems in the workplace Why does bullying and harassment occur? Bullying and harassment Why does bullying and harassment occur? In this guide: Introduction What is meant by bullying and harassment? Why does bullying and harassment occur? The impact of bullying and harassment Recognising bullying or harassment Preventing bullying and harassment Drawing up an anti-bullying and harassment policy Dealing with bullying and harassment claims Book traversal links for Why does bullying and harassment occur?

Printer-friendly version.