Sexual Harassment: A Commonsense Approach

Outline What is sexual harassment? Definitions Examples of unwelcome conduct Who is the “victim”? Who can be a “harasser”? How do you know if behavior is “unwelcome”? Sexual Harassment, Retaliation and the Law Rockcastle Regional Hospital’s sexual harassment policy When to act and what to do What if someone complains about your behavior?

What is Sexual Harassment? Unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature

Definitions 2 Forms of Sexual Harassment Hostile Work Environment: ongoing, pervasive, or severe behavior that unreasonably interferes with an individual’s work performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment. Quid Pro Quo: This for That Exchanging job benefits for sexual favors or threatening to deny job benefits if sexual favors aren’t given.

Examples of Unwelcome Conduct Unwanted sexual advances Leering or Ogling (“elevator eyes”) Making sexual gestures or displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures, cartoons, or posters Sending sexually inappropriate email Making or using derogatory comments, epithets, slurs, or jokes not only in work areas but also in break areas. “catcalls” or whistling Making sexual comments about a person’s body Using sexually degrading words to describe an individual Sending suggestive or obscene notes, cards or invitations Physically touching someone in a sexual way Blocking or impeding someone’s movements Note: Even if the person being harassed is not offended, it is still sexual harassment and a complaint can be made by a third party individual.

Who Is the “Victim”? Can be the person who is the target of the behavior OR It can be a third party who is not the intended recipient of the behavior.

Who Can be a “Harasser”? Supervisor Manager Co-Worker Vendor Visitor Contractor Supplier Customer or Client Men can (and do) harass other men Women can (and do) harass other women

How Do You know If Behavior is “Unwelcome”? Be aware of how people are reacting Are they smiling and returning your remarks in kind? Are they frowning, walking away or coming right out and telling you that they find your behavior offensive?

Sexual Harassment the Law Where did Sexual Harassment Laws Originate? Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination in the work place because of race, color, religion, nation origin, or sex. Harassment based on sex doesn’t depend on gender or sexual orientation

Cont. Sexual harassment does not have to be identified by an employee. Employers must take all reasonable measures to protect their employees from illegal conduct including vendors, visitors, and clients/customers. Harassment laws protect the individual so even if only one person brings forth a complaint it is still sexual harassment.

RETALIATION IS ILLEGAL! Including retaliation against someone who resists illegal behavior, reports it, or participates in an investigation.

Rockcastle Regional’s Sexual Harassment Policy

When to Act and What to Do So, what should I do if I believe I’m being sexually harassed? Say something right away!!! Tell the harasser! Tell your boss! Tell your supervisor’s boss if your supervisor is the problem! Get help from Human Resources or anyone else up the “chain of command”.

What if Someone Complains About Your Behavior? IMMEDIATELY!!!