Sexual harassment at work can take on many forms, so it may be difficult for employees to identify sexual harassment. Here are 7 signs you’re being sexually harassed at work:
- Unwelcome physical contact
- Unfair treatment because of your sex
- Sexual or inappropriate comments
- If saying “no” makes no difference
- Hostile work environment
- Fear of speaking up
- Demands for sexual favors
1. Unwelcome Physical Contact
The most common forms of sexual harassment are unwanted physical contact. Non-consensual touching or groping of another employee may be considered sexual harassment, especially if the employee has repeatedly expressed their discomfort. Unwarranted touches, gropes, grabs, and other physical interactions may be considered sexual harassment and unlawful.
2. Unfair Treatment Because of Your Sex
Sexual harassment may be considered a form of gender discrimination. Sexual harassment is unequal or unfair treatment of an employee because of their sex, which may constitute sex discrimination. Behavior may be considered sexual harassment if an employee has been targeted or faced unequal treatment because of their sex. For example, if a qualified female employee is denied a promotion while an unqualified male employee is promoted, the female employee may be experiencing sexual harassment.
Related: Examples of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
3. Sexual or Inappropriate Comments
Another common and obvious form of sexual harassment is sexually offensive comments or jokes about an employee’s sex. Inappropriate comments about an employee’s appearance or sex may be considered sexual harassment. Comments not directly made to an employee may be considered sexual harassment if the employee overhears the conversation and feels uncomfortable.
4. If Saying “No” Makes No Difference
Inappropriate behavior can legally be considered sexual harassment if an employee has repeatedly refused sexual advances and another employee continues to pursue them. Unwelcome sexual advances, such as one employee continuing to flirt or give gifts after another employee has denied their advances, may be non-consensual sexual conduct.
5. Hostile Work Environment
A hostile work environment is a legally recognized type of sexual harassment. A hostile work environment can be created by severe and pervasive inappropriate behavior. Unwelcome sexual advances, comments, and other actions directed toward an employee’s sex or gender can completely destroy a safe working environment. If an employee feels unsafe at work, they may be a victim of workplace sexual harassment.
6. Fear of Speaking Up
An employee afraid to speak up about unwanted sexual advances or physical contact may be facing a hostile work environment. An employee who fears the consequences of speaking up about a hostile work environment may not trust supervisors or coworkers to properly handle sexual harassment issues.
7. Demands for Sexual Favors
If a supervisor is demanding sexual favors from an employee in exchange for professional benefits or by threatening the employee’s job, the employee may be facing sexual harassment at work. In quid pro quo harassment, the harasser has the power to take real professional action against the employee if the employee does not comply with sexual demands. Demands for sexual favors can look like a supervisor offering a promotion to an employee only if the employee performs a sexual act. Threatening an employee for a sexual favor can look like a manager threatening to fire an employee if the employee does not perform a sexual act.
FAQs
How can I tell if I’m being sexually harassed at work?
Sexual harassment can take on many forms. For example, if an employee is experiencing unwelcome sexual contact, unfair treatment because of their sex, sexual or inappropriate comments, a lack of attention to reported harassment, a hostile work environment, fear of speaking up, or demands for sexual favors, the employee may be a victim of sexual harassment. Overall, if the employee feels unsafe at work, they may be experiencing sexual harassment at work.
Related: Am I Being Sexually Harassed at Work? Take the Quiz
What are the most common types of sexual harassment?
The most common types of sexual harassment are unwanted physical contact and inappropriate comments. Non-consensual touching may be unlawful and may be considered sexual harassment, especially after the employee has repeatedly expressed their discomfort. Inappropriate comments are also very common and may include jokes, insults, side comments, slurs, and other types of verbal harassment.
Related: Types of Sexual Harassment in California
Contact Her Lawyer
If you or a loved one recognizes one of these signs of you’re being sexually harassed at work, get your free consultation with one of our California Workplace Sexual Harassment Attorneys. One of our experienced attorneys can help you understand your rights and legal options. We won’t charge you a dime unless you win your case!