Sexual Harrassment

Sexual Harassment

What is Sexual Harassment?

Defined in legal terms, sexual harassment is determined as a form of sex discrimination. The act involves conduct that is unwelcome verbal, visual or physical behavior of a sexual nature that is severe or pervasive and affects working conditions or creates a hostile work environment (Know Your Rights, 2012). By unwelcome, the legal term refers to a conduct that makes individuals uncomfortable by your actions that is either verbal, in writing, or physical. Thus, the conduct of verbal, visual or physical should pertain to having involves a sexual nature to complete the definition of a sexual harassment. Verbal or written conduct may include sexual favours and sexual innuendos; physical involves inappropriate touching, kissing, hugging, stroking; nonverbal includes looking up and down a person’s body, facial expressions with a sexual nature, following person; and visual can include posters, emails, etc. with a sexual nature.

Difference between sexual harassment and gender discrimination

Harassment is understood as a conduct that is not necessarily performed by those of supervisors or in higher positions but can cover those outside the scope of official job duties. According to the California Supreme Court in Jones v. The Lodge at Torrey Pines Partnership, harassment is a conduct presumably engaged in for personal gratification, because of meanness or bigotry, or for other personal motives (Broderick, 2011). Gender Discrimination, on the other hand is a performance of necessary work duties, especially in hiring, promoting, firing, etc. The person was discriminated against because of his/her gender. Harassment can arise via personal charge to one or more persons, but in discrimination there are number of persons where blatant discrimination against specific individuals can arise.

What is the Legal Definition of Quid Pro Quo or vicarious liability sexual harassment?

Qui Pro Quo Harassment or vicarious liability refers to...