Examples of Sexual and Non-Sexual Harassment at Work

Between 2008 and 2014, reports of sexual assault in Los Angeles decreased by 27%. But sexual harassment still remains a serious problem. Learn about the prevalence of sexual harassment in the workplace and how to tell sexual from non-sexual harassment.

Examples of Sexual Harassment

To better understand sexual harassment, you should know what qualifies as harassment. Typically, the act includes unwelcome or unwanted comments or sexual actions. Anyone in the workplace who makes the comments could find themselves facing consequences. Non-employees, customers, and sellers can all be guilty of sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination. It could be a boss who hugs one of their employees. Or, it might be a co-worker who makes someone uncomfortable by discussing body hair. It makes a hostile work environment or affects a worker's accomplishments.

Generally, sexual harassment is repetitive behavior. It's unwanted and of a sexual nature or related to sex. It makes one or more people uncomfortable and is an offense, as per Title VII and Title IX of the Civil Rights Act.

It's a misconception that sexual harassment only happens to women. The act can happen to women, men, and those who don't conform to gender norms.

Specific Examples of Sexual Harassment

All of the following are examples of the illegal act:

1. Sharing sexual images, such as pornography, with employees
2. Sending an email or letter with suggestive language
3. Repeatedly asking out a coworker
4. Making vulgar jokes or statements
5. Doing inappropriate sexual gestures or sounds
6. Staring at someone in a suggestive way
7. Saying sexual remarks about someone’s appearance
8. Attempting to kiss or fondle
9. Stroking oneself near someone else
10. Asking questions about a person’s sex life or orientation

Examples of Non-Sexual Harassment

Non-Sexual harassment is different, but it’s also a problem. When this occurs, a person is persecuted based on their race, age, gender, or religion. In many cases, the harassment impacts the victim's ability to work. It could limit their ability to accomplish tasks or make for a hostile workplace.

Frightening, rude, and prejudiced remarks qualify as nonsexual harassment. All of the following could be considered harassment in the workplace:

1. Racist remarks
2. Distasteful clothing, drawings, or gestures
3. Bullying
4. Making negative comments about an employee’s religion
5. Saying bigoted words or slang
6. Exhibiting racist artwork
7. Insulting someone’s mental ability

Interview Harassment

It’s important to realize that you don’t need to have a job to be a victim of harassment. Some individuals are victimized before they get a job offer. Known as interview harassment, this could be either sexual or nonsexual.

This form of harassment occurs during the interview process. An employer could ask you about your religion or sexual orientation. However, those kinds of questions are not legal.

Getting the Help You Need

Most people don’t even realize they have been victims of sexual or nonsexual harassment. At times, it can be difficult to identify harassment. But there’s an easy way to tell if you’re a victim. If you feel uncomfortable at work, you could be one of the many victims.

There are laws in place to prevent people from suffering at work. No one should have to live with the pain that comes with being harassed. Sexual harassment is particularly devastating.

If you believe you or someone else has been a victim, you should speak to a sexual harassment lawyer in Los Angeles. They can take steps towards stopping the harassment and getting you compensated for your suffering.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.