What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment can have lasting effects on victims and survivors.

What is Sexual Harassment? Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature in the workplace or learning environment. Sexual harassment does not always have to be specifically about sexual behavior or directed at a specific person. For example, negative comments about women as a group may be a form of sexual harassment.

Here are some direct examples of sexual harassment

• Making sexual favors a condition for employment, advancement, or equal treatment.
• Physical acts of sexual assault.
• Requests for sexual favors (with or without a promised advantage in return)
• Verbal harassment that is sexual in nature (including jokes referring to sexual acts or including sexual content or context).
• Unwanted touching or physical contact.
• Unwelcome sexual advances.
• Wanted and/or inappropriate discussions about sexual relations/stories/fantasies.
• Exposing oneself or performing sexual acts on oneself in front of others without consent.
• Sharing of photos, emails, or text messages including sexual content or sexual imagery.

What is the difference between sexual harassment, sexual assault, and sexual misconduct?

Sexual harassment, sexual assault, and sexual misconduct are all forms of sexual violence. Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination that includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.

Sexual assault is any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the consent of the other person.

Sexual misconduct is a broad term that can include any type of unwelcome sexual behavior that is not rape or sexual assault, such as sexual harassment, stalking, voyeurism, exhibitionism, verbal or physical abuse of a sexual nature, or the possession or distribution of sexually explicit materials without the consent of the other person.

Sexual violence is a serious problem that can have lasting effects on victims and survivors. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, it is important to get help. There are many resources available to victims and survivors of sexual violence, including crisis counseling, support groups, and therapy. Please contact WOAR at 215-985-3333.

What are some effects of sexual harassment?

Experiencing sexual harassment may impact survivors emotionally, mentally, and physically. Here are just a few of the potential consequences of being sexually harassed:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Eating disorders
• Sexual dysfunction
• Substance Abuse
• Flashbacks
• Difficulty concentrating
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Sexual harassment can also negatively affect one’s work or school performance. It can create a hostile environment that makes it difficult to concentrate on tasks or feel comfortable in social situations. Sexual harassment can also lead to absenteeism, tardiness, and job turnover.

If you have experienced sexual harassment, it is important to seek out support from friends, family, or a therapist who can help you recover and heal. Many organizations offer help and resources to survivors of sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment is a serious issue that can have a lasting impact on survivors. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual harassment, there is help available.

What can I do when I witness sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment can make the victim feel uncomfortable, intimidated, and afraid. If you witness sexual harassment, there are a few things you can do to help:

1. Speak up.

Let the person know that what they are doing is not ok. This can be difficult, but it may help to diffuse the situation.

2. Stand with the victim.

Show your support for the victim by standing with them. This can help to make the victim feel less alone and may discourage the harasser from continuing their behavior.

3. Report the incident.

If the harassment is severe or you feel that the victim is in danger, report the incident to a manager, teacher, or other authority figure. You can also report the incident to a harassment hotline or the police.

Sexual harassment can have a lasting emotional effect on the victim, so it is important to take action if you witness it happening. With your help, the victim can feel more comfortable and safer, and the harasser may be less likely to continue their behavior.

4. C.A.R.E – Use the C.A.R.E Model.

You don’t have to be a hero to make a difference. You can intervene in sexual harassment in a way that fits your comfort level and is appropriate for the situation. Here are some suggestions from the acronym C.A.R.E:

• C – Create a distraction. While keeping yourself safe, do what you can to distract those taking part in the harassment. Make sure that you aren’t putting yourself in danger. If someone seems like they could become violent, do not draw their attention to you.
• A – Ask directly. If you feel that it is safe to do so, talk directly with the person who is being harassed. Ask them if they need help or want assistance.
• R – Refer to an Authority. Often the best (and safest) way to intervene in sexual harassment is to enlist the help of an authority figure. You can talk to another employee, Human Resources, a security guard, an RA in your dorm, a bartender, or a bouncer, and they will often be willing to step in. There are people whose occupation prepares them to intervene directly – if you can get one of them involved, so much the better.
• E – Enlist others. It can be hard to step in alone, especially if you are worried about your own safety or if you don’t think you will be able to help on your own. It may be a good idea to enlist the help of a friend or another bystander.

There are many resources available to victims and survivors of sexual violence, including crisis counseling, support groups, and therapy. Please contact WOAR at 215-985-3333.

Where Can I Get Sexual Harassment Training in Philadelphia?

WOAR offers Sexual Harassment Prevention Training throughout Philadelphia. We have programs for professionals, communities, municipalities, and educational facilities.

We also offer programs for youths and children. Please take a look at our Prevention Workshops and consider inviting WOAR to your office, school, or organization.