Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

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What is sexual harassment?

It’s not always clear what constitutes sexual harassment. Let's consider a few scenarios...

You may find it hard to respond to some of these questions.

Whether or not a behavior is sexual harassment depends on the context and the receiver's interpretation.

At the most basic level, everyone should be able to feel comfortable in the workplace , regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or appearance.

If something at work is making you or someone you know feel upset, embarrassed, or uncomfortable, it should be reported.

In the following lessons, we will offer tools to help you navigate the gray areas and identify the signs of sexual harassment.

What are the signs of sexual harassment?

Harassment is not always obvious. Although severe behaviors are easy to recognize, you will need tools to navigate its grey areas. To help you, let's discuss Ken Cooper's "6 Levels" to explore these grey areas. Cooper's "6 Levels" is a tool that outlines the spectrum of sexual harassment ranging from aesthetic appreciation to ultimate threat.

Ken Cooper's 6 Levels

Level 1 Aesthetic Appreciation These are subtle (or not-so-subtle) remarks or behavior. This may look like a lifted eyebrow, a wink, a wolfish smile, or a sly sexual joke.

Level 2 Active Mental Groping This kind of harassment may not have unwanted touching, but it may feel like it to the victim. This includes things like unwanted staring or inappropriate verbal comments.

Level 3 Social Touching This is physical contact that barely stays within the bounds of appropriateness. This may be an unwanted backrub or a hand on the back that stays there a little bit too long.

Level 4 Foreplay Harassment This happens when touching begins to move into inappropriate areas. Touching on the small of the back or even the backside - anywhere that's considered a bit more sensitive than Level 3.

Level 5 Sexual Abuse This is clear sexual harassment, like pinching, groping, and "quid pro quo" behavior.

Level 6 Ultimate Threat This is outright sexual harassment that causes physical harm, or a threat of assault for non-compliance. Although many high-profile sexual harassment cases discuss Level 6, this does not discredit assault at lower levels.

What are the effects of sexual harassment?

That's 33% of the American workforce. With the odds of one in three people, chances are you know someone who has been sexually harassed at work. This can even be you.

Which of the following are health effects of sexual harassment? You may select multiple answers.

How can you help as a bystander ?

An engaged bystander An engaged bystander intervenes before, during, and after a situation that threatens, harasses or encourages sexual violence.

Retaliation & Responsibility

A retaliation is qualified when... 1 The employee files a complaint against someone who filed sexual harassment against them. 2 When the employer does negative employment measures (demotion, suspension, etc.) to the complainant. 3 When the complaint is linked to a negative employment measure.