The dictionary defines sexual harassment as “behavior characterized by the making of unwelcome and inappropriate sexual remarks or physical advances in a workplace or other professional or social situations” ~ In other words sexual harassment unwelcome sexual advances, requests, or favors and other verbal or physical conduct of sexual nature.
“When sexual harassment is not addressed, the problem worsens and becomes more difficult to remedy as time goes on.”
Imagine peaches and bananas. Everyone with a banana wants a peach regardless if the person with the peach wants to give it to other person with the banana or not. The person with the banana will take the peach against their will. Then they’ll keep it a secret.
Challenge Statement
DEFINING SEXUAL HARASSMENT
DIFFERENT TYPES
GENDER HARASSMENT: Generalized sexist statements and behavior that convey insulting or degrading attitudes about women or men. Examples: insulting remarks, obscene jokes or humor about sex, etc. (most common)
SEDUCTIVE BEHAVIOR: Unwanted, inappropriate and offensive sexual advances. Examples: repeated and unwanted sexual invitation, insistent requests for dates/dinner/drinks, persistent letters, phone calls, messages.
SEXUAL BRIBERY: Solicitation of sexual activity or other sex-linked behavior by promise of reward, the proposition may be either overt, done or shown openly; plainy or readily apparent, or subtle.
SEXUAL COERCION: Coercion of sexual activity or other sex-linked behavior by threat of punishment; Examples: negative performance evaluations, withholding of promotion, threat of termination
SEXUAL IMPOSITION: Gross sexual imposition (such as forceful touching, feeling, grabbing), or sexual assault/battery.
(Source: American Psychological Association)
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND ASSAULT
Sexual Assault always involves physical contact. Behavior may or may not occur in the work environment or involve co-workers. While sexual harassment often involves non physical contact, but may include physical contact. Behavior is linked directly to co-workers or others in the work environment.