What is Sexual Harassment?


Sexual harassment is bullying or coercion of a sexual nature and the unwelcome or inappropriate promise of rewards in exchange for sexual favors. Sexual harassment includes a range of actions from mild transgressions to sexual abuse or assault. A harasser may be the victim's supervisor, a supervisor in another area, a co-worker, or a client or customer. Harassers or victims may be of any gender.







Victims of sexual harassment typically feel humiliated as a result of the oppressive experience of being harassed in the workplace. A normal response is for victims to feel depressed, angry and powerless. Under the emotional strain of sexual harassment, it is difficult to assess the situation and to respond appropriately and assertively. This book is designed to help victims assess their situations and to advise them about how they should respond to the demeaning experience of sexual harassment in the workplace.
Sexual harassment can happen anywhere, but when it happens in or connected to the workplace. This book describes the sometimes uncertain line between discourteous behavior in the workplace and unlawful sexually oriented behavior at work. Some sexual conduct in the workplace is tolerated, but some sexual behavior, particularly if it is unwanted and severe or pervasive, is unlawful.

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