Sexual Harrasment

Sexual Harassment is defined according to Wikipedia (2009), as an intimidation, bullying or coercion of a sexual nature, or the unwelcome or inappropriate promise of rewards in exchange for sexual favors. In some situations, sexual harassment is known to be illegal may be described as simple irritating situations to full blown sexual abuse. It is a form of illegal employment discrimination in many countries. Preventing the crime of sexual harassment has been a main goal among many companies around the world.

History of the term was first used in 1973 when a woman by the name of Dr Mary Rowe reported Gender discrimination. However, sexual harassment has been known to be discussed earlier in the decade. Other terms were, “sexual intimidation”, “sexual coercion” and “sexual exploitation on the job”.

Situations in Sexual Harassment range from the subtle to the flat out asking for trouble, worse; life scaring experiences. Victims are not limited to co-workers, they can be anybody really, a client, a fellow classmate or teacher. While the person that is being harassed is most often the one that is affected, it can be anybody that finds the actions inappropriate. The offender can be ether male or female and can be of the same sex. Misunderstandings can also occur when the behavior of the harasser is not even aware that their actions are in the wrong. It can also be that the person being harassed thinks their point of, “hey this is inappropriate for you to be treating me like this” is not clear and the person does not get the message.

According to Blishak (1993), The biggest issue with sexual harassment seems to be the range of behavior types differs so large from person to person and situation to situation. It is often very difficult for the victim to put their finger on what is exactly happening. The harasser can be either very covert about their actions, meaning that in public they manage to maintain a very polite façade, but when alone with the victim, or target,...