Sexual Harassment At The Workplace

Many of us spend more time at work than we do with our families and friends. So, considering how much time we spend at work, it is a place where we want to feel comfortable. We also want to feel respected by our colleagues, but what happens when you not only feel disrespected by a colleague, but violated?

As working women, we often struggle with having to battle sexism in our careers. Some women may even be questioned as to whether or not they “slept their way to the top.” While these issues are profound in themselves, direct sexual harassment is by far, one of the worst issues that women face in the professional world.

Sexual harassment still continues to be extremely widespread despite its illegality. Many people are not even aware of what types of behavior may constitute as sexual harassment. Women may not recognize that what they are being subjected to is considered sexual harassment. And in turn, men may not realize that their disrespectful behavior is considered a form of sexual harassment; the violation does not always involve touch.

You may be thinking to yourself, “So what IS sexual harassment?” According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, sexual harassment can include “‘unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.” Their website even goes on to say that harassment does not even have to be of sexual nature.

Know your rights. You do not have to tolerate this behavior from your colleagues. Be aware of the signs that you may be experiencing or engaging in regarding sexual harassment. Look out for the following warning signs:

• Your superior bribes you with promotions or other rewards in exchange for sexual/romantic favors.
• Your colleague’s conversation topics are sexist and he or she seems to find it humorous.
• Your colleague flirts with you or touches you often without your permission.
• Your colleague leaves you gifts, whistles at you, or makes other inappropriate gestures.

Look out for some of these signs if you suspect sexual harassment at the workplace. Speak up for yourself and speak up for others. We need to empower one another and let the world know that this behavior is not okay.

By Julievette Santiago