It is important for employees to recognize sexual harassment in order to stop and report it. Sexual harassment can take on many forms, so it may be difficult for employees to identify sexual harassment. Here are some examples of sexual harassment in the workplace.
Examples of sexual harassment in the workplace include unwelcome physical touches, sexually offensive comments, inappropriate invitations, and overt sexualization.
1. Unwelcome Physical Touches
Unwelcome physical touches are the most obvious form of sexual harassment. Unwarranted touches, gropes, grabs, and other physical interactions may be unlawful and may be considered sexual harassment. Unwelcome physical touches have no place in the workplace.
For example, if a coworker inappropriately touches an employee’s breasts or legs, this may be considered sexual harassment.
However, some cases of unwelcome physical touches may be less extreme and are thus not considered sexual harassment. The law may not recognize less significant or less extreme unwelcome physical touches, and it may not be considered sexual harassment. If the less extreme physical touches are persistent, they may be considered sexual harassment.
Related: Types of Sexual Harassment in California
2. Sexually Offensive Comments
Another common and obvious form of sexual harassment is sexually offensive comments about an employee’s sex or gender. The workplace is no place for sexually offensive comments. Sexually offensive comments may be like jokes, insults, side comments, slurs, and other types of verbal harassment.
In California, offensive comments alone may be enough to constitute sexual harassment. The comments must be severe and pervasive to possibly be considered sexual harassment.
For example, if a supervisor makes crude comments about a female employee’s body or sexuality, that may be considered sexual harassment.
3. Inappropriate Invitations
Inappropriate invitations for sexual favors or unwelcome propositions may be considered sexual harassment. Inappropriate invitations can look like requesting sexual favors in exchange for professional benefits or threatening professional consequences for rejecting sexual favors. Unwelcome propositions can look like persistent requests for a date after already being rejected.
For example, a supervisor abuses his power and demands that an employee goes on a date with him, and if she refuses, she will be fired. This is an inappropriate invitation and may constitute sexual harassment.
In another instance, a coworker persistently asks an employee for a date, but the employee continues to turn him down. The coworker’s persistent demands for a date are unwelcome and make the employee uncomfortable. These unwelcome propositions may be considered sexual harassment.
4. Overt Sexualization
Another example of sexual harassment is overt sexualization in the workplace. This means overtly eyeing employees, making sexual motions, and generally any other actions that are overtly sexual and directed toward an employee.
For example, overt sexualization may occur if a coworker is openly and persistently staring at an employee’s breasts. Overt leering may be considered sexual harassment. If you have experienced any of these examples of workplace sexual harassment, you may have a claim to monetary compensation.
Related: How to File a Sexual Harassment Complaint in California
FAQs About Examples of Sexual Harassment in California
What are some examples of sexual harassment?
Several examples of sexual harassment in the workplace include unwelcome physical touches, sexually offensive comments, inappropriate invitations, and overt sexualization.
Are all cases of unwelcome physical touches considered sexual harassment?
No, not all cases of unwelcome physical touches are considered sexual harassment. Some cases that may be less extreme, such as a touch on the shoulder, are not considered sexual harassment. However, if the less extreme physical touches are persistent, it may be considered sexual harassment.
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If you or a loved one has faced one of these examples of sexual harassment, contact us. We’ll get you in touch with the most qualified lawyer for your unique legal situation. Get your free consultation with one of our California Workplace Sexual Harassment Attorneys today!