Sexual Harassment at Work – What You Need to Know
Sexual harassment at work is a serious issue that can have a profound impact on the careers and well-being of women. Unfortunately, it is all too common. Many women (and men too) will experience some form of sexual harassment at work. While there are laws in place to protect employees from this type of misconduct, enforcement is often lacking, which can leave employees feeling vulnerable and powerless. But it’s important to remember that if you are experiencing sexual harassment at work, you are not alone. The law is on your side, and it is your employer’s obligation to take your claim seriously and protect you against retaliation of any kind for reporting sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment at work is not just unwanted touching or sexual advances. It is an offense that can take many forms. It might be a comment made about someone’s appearance or body, inappropriate touching, sexual jokes or remarks, requests for sexual favors, or stalking. It can occur on the job, in any professional setting including meetings or conferences, and even outside of work-related events.
Regardless of where it happens, sexual harassment is never acceptable and should not be tolerated. If you are a victim of sexual harassment at work, it’s important to remember that you have the right to report it. There are laws in place to protect victims from reprisal or retaliation for speaking up about such misconduct.
Additionally, you can reach out for help from family and friends and seek advice from an experienced attorney. But whatever you decide to do, or not do, you should feel 100% supported in your decision. And remember, sexual harassment is NEVER your fault. It is about power and intimidation – which means it is always about the perpetrator, and they are the ONLY ones at fault – not you.
Sexual Harassment Education for Employers
It is essential that employers take steps to create a safe workplace environment free of sexual harassment. This includes providing comprehensive training and education on what constitutes sexual harassment and how to properly respond if it does occur. Additionally, employers should have clearly stated policies in place that outline the procedures for reporting and addressing sexual harassment complaints. By taking these steps, you can help create a work culture where everyone feels safe and respected.
No one should ever feel threatened or intimidated because of their gender or sexuality. We all have the right to be free from sexual harassment at work. By standing up for yourself and others, you can help create a more equitable and safer environment where everyone can thrive.
What is sexual harassment at work?
Sexual harassment at work is an unwelcome sexual advance or conduct of a sexual nature that interferes with the individual’s work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. Sexual harassment can take on many forms and may range from mild to severe in nature. It can include physical contact, verbal comments, jokes, innuendos, or showing someone visual material of a sexual nature without their consent.
Employers are responsible for providing a workplace free of sexual harassment, and employees have the right to go to work without fear of any form of unwelcome behavior based on their sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. If an employee experiences sexual harassment at work, it is important that they report this to their employer or the relevant authorities. When sexual harassment is reported, employers must take appropriate steps to investigate and address the issue.
Employers should be proactive in implementing policies that prohibit and prevent sexual harassment at work. This includes creating a safe environment for people to report any experience of transgressions, providing education on what constitutes sexual harassment, and setting clear procedures to follow in such cases. Employers should also make sure that those who experience sexual harassment are supported and given a safe and secure environment where they can be heard.
It is important to understand what constitutes sexual harassment at work, as it is against the law and has serious consequences for both employers and employees. Taking the necessary steps to ensure that sexual harassment is not tolerated at work can help to create a safe and respectful environment for everyone.
If you have experienced any form of sexual harassment at work, we encourage you to speak up. Report your experience and seek assistance from the relevant authorities or organizations if need be. Don’t let the fear of repercussions stop you from speaking up. Your safety and well-being should always be your priority.
This content is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. It is always best to consult with a qualified lawyer or other professional if you need advice on this topic.
What is the legal definition of sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment at work is defined as unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that creates an uncomfortable, hostile, or offensive work environment. This includes any type of physical touching or sexual advances, comments about someone’s gender or sexual orientation, sharing explicit imagery such as pornography, asking for sexual favors, or making jokes based on gender stereotypes. These actions can be perpetrated by both men and women, as well as supervisors or co-workers.
It is important to note that sexual harassment does not have to involve any physical contact for it to be illegal. It can also occur through verbal or non-verbal communication such as persistent requests for dates, sending inappropriate texts or emails, making offensive remarks about someone’s gender or sexual orientation, and displaying objectifying images.
It is also important to be aware that even if the behavior does not create an uncomfortable work environment for the person being harassed, it can still amount to unlawful sexual harassment at work.
How long do I have to report sexual harassment?
In the State of Pennsylvania, you have up to 180 days from the date of the harassment to report it. Sexual harassment that violates Federal Law allows you up to 300 days to report it. (up to date as of February 2024)
File A Sexual Harassment Claim with the EEOC
Go to https://www.eeoc.gov/filing-charge-discrimination for more information.
File a Sexual Harassment Claim at the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission
Go to https://www.eeoc.gov/filing-charge-discrimination for more information.
The information provided here is not meant to be considered legal advice. You should always consult an attorney who specializes in sexual harassment at work to give yourself the best opportunity to understand the laws, and procedures, and to help you navigate filing a sexual harassment claim and make sure you receive fair treatment under the law.
The Law is On Your Side
If you have been a victim of sexual harassment at work, the law is on your side. In Pennsylvania, there are a multitude of laws against sexual harassment, as well as laws that require employers to investigate and protect you from retaliation.
To learn more about laws in Pennsylvania governing Sexual Harassment, please visit any of the following links:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits workplace discrimination of many forms and requires employers to investigate all complaints and take action if they find that sexual harassment has occurred. More information here: https://www.eeoc.gov/statutes/title-vii-civil-rights-act-1964
- Information about Sexual Harassment Laws in Pennsylvania can be found on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website here: https://www.pa.gov/guides/reporting-workplace-sexual-harassment-in-pennsylvania/
Not Intended to Be Legal Advice
The information provided on this page is not meant to be considered legal advice, but only to make you aware that there are laws in place to prevent workplace sexual harassment and remedies for those people who experience sexual harassment at work. You should always consult an attorney who specializes in workplace sexual harassment to give yourself the best opportunity to understand the laws, and procedures, and to help you navigate filing a sexual harassment claim and making sure you receive fair treatment under the law.
More information: What is Sexual Violence? and Sexual Violence Among Adults.
