Define Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is a term that gets thrown around a lot, so many people wonder how to define sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is a serious allegation these days, one that could cost a person his/her job. Knowing how sexual harassment is defined can make you feel more at ease when interacting with the opposite sex and more at ease in the world.

Sexual harassment can be defined by several telltale signs. Some of these signs include unwelcome sexual advances and requests for sexual favors. The definition often mentions an offensive work environment since most sexual harassment occurs in the workplace.

Sexual harassment in the workplace. Sexual harassment occurs most often when a supervisor is harassing someone they are in charge of. Sexual harassment is most often committed when a male supervisor is using his power to sexually harass a female employee under his supervision. However, this is not to say that a female supervisor couldn't use her authority over a male employee to sexually harass him. 

Examples of sexual harassment. It can sometimes be hard to tell if sexual harassment has occurred or not. An obvious example is that of a supervisor offering special treatment or a promotion if he/she receives sexual favors in return. Sexual harassment enters more of a gray area when it comes to verbal harassment. Making lewd remarks of a sexual nature is obviously harassment. However, the gray area occurs when it comes to joking around. Many people have landed themselves in trouble with HR because of a joke taken the wrong way. 

Sexual harassment and you. When it comes to keeping yourself out of trouble, it really is better to be safe than sorry. Don't start a romantic relationship with anyone in your company with a lower position than yours. If the relationship goes sour, things can get ugly very quickly. Refrain from making jokes of a sexual nature to people in the office, as you can never be sure of people's sense of humor.

What to do if you are the victim of sexual harassment. Simply ignoring the situation isn't going to make it any better. In fact, the person sexually harassing you may take your inaction as permission to continue. The best thing to do in this situation is to tell a person with authority in your company. Preferably, a person with a higher position than the person harassing you. Just remember that sexual harassment is a serious allegation. It's not to be taken lightly.