Sexual harassment may be defined as unwanted sexual attention that would be offensive to a reasonable person and that negatively affects the work or school environment. There are two types of sexual harassment:
- Quid pro quo (or "this for that"): when someone, usually in a position of power, asks for sexual favors in exchange for some form of benefit (ex. a promotion, a better/passing grade).
- Hostile environment: a condition created when someone engages in unwelcome behavior that creates an offensive, hostile, or intimidating working or learning environment.
- Unwelcome sexual advances (physical or verbal)
- "Dirty" jokes or stories
- Comments about your body
- Obscene gestures
- Requests for sexual favors
- Inappropriate reference to gender or sexual orientation
Sexual harassment can occur in the work place or on all levels of school-based education. Survivors do not formally report the abuse for a variety of reasons. Those that do, find the legal process to be lengthy and exhausting. Even if a survivor does not want to make a formal complaint, it is still a good idea to keep records of what has been occurring.
If you believe you re being sexually harassed, here are some tips on how to properly document the evidence:
- Document everything. Keep a small noteb0ok describing the harassment or keep an audio/video recording of yourself after each incident.
- Record the date, time, and location where the incident took place.
- Record exactly what the harasser said or did to you.
- Record how you felt after the incident took place and what actions you took, if any.
- Make a note of any witnesses (if possible, ask them to write down what they saw/heard).
- Keep any notes, photos, or e-mails the harasser sent you.
- Talk to someone about the harassment.
- Do not keep any documentation at work or at school, and keep copies for your records.
- Review workplace and/or school brochures, policies, and procedures regarding sexual harassment.
There are several ways to address sexual harassment depending on the situation and location:
Non-legal Strategies
- Immediately confront the harasser by naming the actions as inappropriate.
- Repeat what the harasser said and ask them to clarify what they mean.
- Write a letter to the perpetrator detailing their actions and how you feel about them.
Legal Strategies
- Notify, in writing, your company's human resource office or your school's principal or administrator
- A more formal complaint can be filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), a federal agency that investigates complaints of discrimination.
- Or you may file a grievance with the Fair Employment Practices Commission, a state agency that investigates complaints of unfair labor practices.
Before taking any action:
- Know your school/employer's policy, your union's procedures, and your legal options so you can make an informed decision.
- Find support from friends, family, co-workers, or give us a call @ 908.233.7273.