At times, a co-worker’s subtle yet alarming acts leave us questioning if it falls under the definition of workplace harassment. Harassment is when a person’s actions, in public or in private, make you uncomfortable. It can be emotionally challenging to deal with and raise your voice against, especially if it is sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment is not restricted to those involving physical contact. When anyone harasses you verbally in a sexual context, it is termed verbal sexual harassment, a highly punishable offense under state and federal laws. The Law Office of Jeffrey A. Goldberg can guide you about the legal refuge you are entitled to if you have faced such situations.
Recognizing verbal sexual harassment at work
Unwelcome sexual conduct is defined as sexual harassment. As much as it can be a physical gesture, it could also be verbal, wherein intimidating comments are passed. It includes speaking out loud about sexual fantasies or sending sexually suggestive emails.
Some examples of verbal sexual harassment at work, as per EEOC, are:
- Unwanted letters, phone calls, or emails of sexual nature.
- Passing sexual comments at a co-worker or an employee.
- Initiating talks about sexual fantasies and histories.
- Using work meetings to discuss sexual topics.
- Commenting on a co-worker’s or an employee’s looks and clothing.
- Repeatedly requesting sexual favors and dates.
- Making sexually offensive jokes at the workplace.
The important point is that verbal sexual harassment is not limited to harassment between two people of the opposite gender. Also, it is not always that the target of sexual harassment is an employee. It could also be a vendor, a client, or a customer who could fall victim to such behavior.
Reporting verbal sexual harassment at work
Without a doubt, verbal sexual harassment leaves the victim a lot to deal with emotionally and mentally. Most of all, it is normal to freeze or feel this way when encountering a situation like this. But it is essential to keep in mind that help is available. Although speaking about the incident to anyone might feel greatly uncomfortable, it is necessary to do so and report it at your workplace.
- Make sure to check the procedures involved in such scenarios.
- Approach the HR department to report the incident.
- When asked for details, try to stay calm and give as much information as possible to strengthen your report.
- Check the company’s anti-harassment policies in the employment book.
- Look for terms on compensatory damages, punitive damages, back pay, front pay, etc., that you are entitled to.
- Approach a sexual harassment attorney to proceed further legally.