Sexual harassment can be humiliating, physically threatening or even affect the work being produced. And yet, sexual harassment often isn’t reported. Both men and women can be victims of sexual harassment, just as both men and women can be the ones harassing.
Many people don’t speak up or say anything in fear that they may lose their job, or be turned down for a promotion if they stand up for themselves. Most companies have a policy for sexual harassment, and the guidelines should be followed at all times. If the guidelines are broken you should seek help, starting with a supervisor. But, if your supervisor is one of the guilty harassers it may be best to go directly to HR.
Often people don’t know what falls under the definition of sexual harassment and do not feel that they have power to do anything about it. Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to the following:
1. Comments and remarks of a sexual nature that refer to a person’s physical appearance and/or genitalia.
2. Inappropriately touching someone in a sexually provocative manner.
3. Making requests to an employee about having sex and/or going on a date with another employee.
4. Forwarding pictures that are sexually graphic in nature. This could mean images that were found online or personal images as well.
5. Forwarding of literature that is sexually explicit or provocative in nature. For example: a sexual story or a joke, or personal experiences.
Just because sexual harassment is common doesn’t make it okay. If you feel that you are being mentally, physically or socially overpowered sexually by someone it needs to be reported. If you are experiencing any of the above issues in your work place you need to immediately get the situation under control.