Sexual harassment at the workplace is when a person makes unwanted advances, propositions, or comments of a sexual nature to an employee in their employment setting. This could happen verbally, visually, or physically. In the United States and many other countries, sexual harassment is illegal in the workplace. In some situations, a person might harass an employee to get them fired so they can take their job and position.
If you are being sexually harassed at work or know someone who is going through this experience, it’s important to report the incident as soon as you can so that the company can take action. And if your company or employer is of no help to you, then you better speak to an employment discrimination lawyer San Antonio.
Let us now see what usually qualifies as workplace sexual harassment.
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Sexual assault
Sexual assault is an act of violence, brutality, or aggression that involves direct physical contact with a victim. It is the most severe form of sexual harassment in the workplace. In many cases, a victim may also be physically hurt during an act of sexual violence. This kind of physical contact with an employee’s body part is usually done against the victim’s will or consent. It could be an unwelcome touch, a pinch, or even being forced to have sex with your boss, or just being in a situation where you are forced to remain quiet about it for fear of getting fired or for other reasons.
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Offensive jokes
Offensive jokes are considered sexual harassment in the workplace. This is considered one of the most common forms of sexual harassment in workplaces. Statements or jokes that are meant to be funny, but may offend someone, can be considered a form of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment in the workplace doesn’t only include offensive jokes, but also comments that direct the employee to feel uncomfortable with their appearance or other personal characteristics.
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Sexually explicit actions
Sexual harassment at the workplace can also happen through sexually explicit actions. This includes but is not limited to sexual gestures and comments, pinching, slapping, or even complimenting an employee’s body part. If there is a level of physical contact between the parties involved during the sexual harassment episode, then it could be considered a form of sexual assault.
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Unwanted advances
Unwanted advances at the workplace are also considered one of the forms of sexual harassment at the workplace. Employees don’t have the right to make sexual advances on other employees, even if they are from the same sex. If a supervisor is making advances toward someone or is sending out inappropriate text messages, it could be considered sexual harassment in the workplace.
