1. Sexual Harassment In the Workplace 1

2. OBJECTIVES At the end of this unit, you will be able to…….. Recognize what sexual harassment is and is not Know what to do if you are sexually harassed 2

3. Sexual Harassment is…… Bothering someone in a sexual way. Behavior that is not only unwelcome, but in most cases repeated. Defined from the victim’s point of view, not the harasser’s. About gaining power over another. AGAINST THE LAW! 3

4. Federal Law Federal Law defines sexual harassment in four categories: Quid Pro Quo Hostile environment Sexual Favoritism Harassment by Non-employees 4

5. Quid Pro Quo Something given for sexual favors, literally, “This for that”. 5

6. Hostile environment Repeated unwelcome sexual conduct “poisons” the work environment. 6

7. Sexual Favoritism Rewards given to those employees who submit to sexual demands. 7

8. Harassment by Non-employees People outside of the company over whose actions the employer has control. 8

9. California Law California law defines sexual harassment in four categories: Visual Harassment Verbal Harassment Physical Harassment Sexual Favors 9

10. Visual Harassment Offensive pictures, websites, texts or emails 10

11. Verbal Harassment Offensive comments, even compliments, or jokes. 11

12. Physical Harassment Touching, blocking or impeding movement, violating personal space, interference with normal work or movement, or assault. 12

13. Sexual Favors Unwanted sexual advances making an employment benefit contingent upon an exchange of sexual favors. 13

14. Who is protected from Sexual Harassment? Employees Independent contractors Job applicants 14

15. Severe or Pervasive Conduct is so severe or pervasive that it alters the work environment. SeverePervasive 15

16. Do You Know the Difference? Sexual Harassment Flirting Hostile Feels “bad” One-sided Is degrading Feels powerless Demeaning Friendly Feels “good” Reciprocal Is a compliment Feels in control Flattering 16

17. HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE BEING SEXUALLY HARASSED? ASK YOURSELF……… Am I bothered by this behavior? How does it make me feel? Is this behavior related to my job? Is the behavior not asked for and unwelcome? Are these behaviors of a sexual nature ? 17

18. Protection for Employees Employers are required to take all reasonable steps to prevent harassment from occurring, such as having a harassment policy, and training employees on sexual harassment. 18

19. What if you are a victim of Sexual Harassment? Tell the harasser that the conduct is unwelcome, offensive, and needs to stop. Report behavior to supervisor immediately Journal/ Document 19

20. Check your behavior! Ask yourself these questions: Would I do this in front of a family member? Would I want to see this on the six o’clock news? Is this behavior mutually acceptable to both parties? Is there equal power between me and the other person? 20

21. SEXUAL HARASSMENT: FACT or MYTH? Sexual harassment is a problem in the workplace. Males are not victims of sexual harassment in the workplace. If a female dresses or behaves in a sexy way, she is asking to be sexually harassed. 21

22. SEXUAL HARASSMENT: FACT or MYTH? Sexual harassment does not occur between people of the same sex. Women/men who work in nontraditional jobs are more likely to be sexually harassed. If the recipient doesn’t like the sexual attention, but the person speaking or acting means it only as flirting or joking, then it is not sexual harassment. 22

23. CHECK UP! Can you… Recognize what sexual harassment is and is not? Do you…. Know what to do if you are sexually harassed? 23