Examples of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a form of discrimination, and includes any uninvited comments, conduct, or behavior regarding sex, gender, or sexual orientation. Whether the offense is made by a manager, co-worker, or even a non-employee like a client, contractor, or vendor, if the conduct creates a hostile work environment or interrupts an employee's success, it is considered unlawful sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment isn't limited to making inappropriate advances. In fact, sexual harassment includes any unwelcome verbal or physical behavior that creates a hostile work environment, such as:

• Sharing sexually inappropriate images or videos, such as pornography, with co-workers
• Sending suggestive letters, notes, or e-mails
• Displaying inappropriate sexual images or posters in the workplace
• Telling lewd jokes, or sharing sexual anecdotes
• Making inappropriate sexual gestures
• Staring in a sexually suggestive or offensive manner, or whistling
• Making sexual comments about appearance, clothing, or body parts
• Inappropriate touching, including pinching, patting, rubbing, or purposefully brushing up against another person
• Asking sexual questions, such as questions about someone's sexual history or their sexual orientation
• Making offensive comments about someone's sexual orientation or gender identity

These are just some examples of sexual harassment. Any action that creates a sexual hostile environment is considered sexual harassment, and the victim of the harassment may not be just the target of the offense, but anyone who is affected by the inappropriate behavior.