Sexual Harassment at Work: Know the Types and Risks

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), over 27,291 sexual harassment charges were filed between the financial years 2018 and 2021 alone in the U.S., and many more go unreported due to fear, stigma, or confusion about what constitutes harassment.

This is why understanding the types of sexual harassment is essential not just for victims, but for employers, coworkers, and society at large. So, read on to learn what sexual harassment is, explore the various forms of sexual harassment, and discuss how it can be effectively prevented in workplaces, schools, and public spaces.

Read More: Sexual Harassment Training for Employees: Why and How to Conduct It

What Is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that causes a person to feel uncomfortable, humiliated, or threatened. This can include verbal comments, physical contact, gestures, or visual displays. It often involves a misuse of power or authority but can occur between individuals at any level, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Although women are more commonly affected, men and people of all gender identities can also experience sexual harassment. This type of harassment can occur in various settings, but the most common ones include: 

• The workplace

• Educational institutions

• Public transportation

• Online platforms

• Healthcare or service industries

Those who understand its types can easily recognize early warning signs and build safer environments for all.

Read More: How OSHA Enforces Its Standards: An Overview of the Process

How Many Types of Sexual Harassment People Experience?

Violating someone’s rights can take many forms, and understanding the types of sexual harassment is the first step toward addressing them effectively. Legally, sexual harassment is generally classified into two main categories. However, a wide range of behaviors can fall under these categories, as outlined below: 

Quid Pro Quo Harassment

This Latin phrase means "this for that." In this type of harassment, a person in power usually demands sexual favors in exchange for career advancement, grades, or other benefits. This may include a boss offering a promotion if the employee agrees to go on a date or a professor promising better grades in return for personal attention. Quid Pro Quo Harassment directly manipulates the victim’s aspirations and creates a hostile, exploitative environment that normalizes abuse of power.

Hostile Work Environment

This occurs when the behavior is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating or offensive environment. Unlike quid pro quo, this doesn’t need a request for sexual favors. Examples include lewd jokes and sexual innuendos and repeated comments on someone’s appearance. Sharing sexually explicit materials in group chats or workspaces and unwanted touching or physical closeness also fall under the category of a hostile work environment. It often leads to psychological distress, poor job performance, absenteeism, and even career abandonment in extreme cases.

Other Forms of Sexual Harassment

Beyond legal definitions, there are other forms of sexual harassment that people might overlook or dismiss as ‘casual’ or ‘harmless.’ However, these can be equally damaging. Now, let’s look at some other forms of this violence that you might not be aware of: 

Verbal Harassment

Verbal harassment is one of the most reported forms, especially in online platforms or public places. Although it may not sound very serious at first, the victim might feel quite distressed upon experiencing the same. The most common examples of verbal harassment are catcalling, sexual jokes, comments about body parts, and other repeated propositions.

Non-Verbal Harassment

Non-verbal cues can be subtle but threatening, especially when repeated or combined with verbal cues. These behaviors may include leering, suggestive gestures, or invading personal space, which can create a hostile or uncomfortable environment. Even without words, such actions can clearly signal power imbalances or unwanted attention and make the target feel unsafe.

Physical Harassment

Physical harassment refers to unwanted, violent, or offensive physical contact or gestures that may create an intimidating or hostile work environment. It can often overlap with assault and may lead to criminal charges. Unwanted touching, brushing against someone intentionally, and cornering or blocking pathways are the most common forms of physical harassment. 

Cyber Harassment

Cyber harassment refers to unconsented conduct, such as harassing or threatening emails and messages, or blogs and website entries, solely for attacking individuals. It is usually intended to annoy, humiliate, alarm, threaten, or verbally abuse individuals. With growing digital communication, cyber harassment has become a rapidly increasing form of sexual harassment.

Widespread Myths Around Sexual Harassment

Misinformation can silence victims and encourage perpetrators to do more wrong. Here are a few myths worth debunking when it comes to different types of sexual harassment:

How to Prevent Sexual Harassment?

Prevention begins with awareness when dealing with sexual harassment, but it doesn't end there. Both individuals and organizations must work proactively to ensure that no individual or entity can indulge in such practices to harass others. Here is an overview of the steps to follow when preventing sexual harassment: 

Clear Policies and Training

Draft and circulate anti-harassment policies within the organization. Offer regular training to every employee or staff member on acceptable behavior and reporting procedures. It should be among the new workplace laws you need to know when working in an organization. 

Open and Safe Reporting Systems

Create multiple channels to report incidents (anonymous hotlines, online forms, HR contact). Make sure to protect the confidentiality of the complainant so that they are comfortable sharing details. This further encourages early intervention and prevents escalation in the long run. 

Empower Bystanders

Train employees to intervene safely when they witness harassment. This involves promoting allyship and support for victims. The strategy transforms several bystanders who become active defenders of workplace dignity.

Prompt Investigation and Action

Treat all complaints related to any form of sexual harassment seriously. This also involves taking unbiased disciplinary action when needed, even if it involves senior staff. Consistency in such consequences also builds trust in the system.

Read More: Women Breaking Barriers: How Female Leaders Are Shaping HR & Workplace Policies

What to Do If You Are a Victim of Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment can happen anywhere, and everyone must be aware of their surroundings to avoid it. If you believe you are experiencing any form of sexual harassment, here are steps you can take:

Document Everything

Keep emails, messages, or a journal of incidents. Use the organization’s internal mechanism or external legal channels to report any kind of harassment you face in the workplace. Never be afraid of the person’s position because they are punishable irrespective of their designation. Moreover, U.S. law protects you from retaliation for reporting sexual harassment.

Talk to Someone

Trusted colleagues, friends, or counselors can help validate your experience. You have the right to work or exist in any environment without fear of harassment. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. This scope of practice includes protecting your emotional well-being and ensuring your voice is heard. 

Know Your Rights

In many countries, sexual harassment is punishable by law. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protects employees from sexual harassment in workplaces with 15+ employees. Schools are covered under Title IX. You are legally protected and can take action, no matter the harasser’s position. You can also seek legal advice if needed. 

Stay Safe By Taking the Right Sexual Harassment Training!

Understanding the types of sexual harassment is the key to creating safer, more inclusive environments. It does not matter if anyone is facing quid pro quo, a hostile work environment, or online harassment; every form is serious and deserves attention. Everyone must move beyond dismissing inappropriate behavior as “just jokes” or “misunderstandings.” 

You must take a firm step toward equity, dignity, and respect for all by educating yourself about the various forms of sexual harassment and standing up against them. Enroll in a recognized sexual harassment training now! By educating yourself, you’re not only safeguarding your own rights but also setting a standard for dignity and respect in your workplace or community.

References

• https://damorelaw.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-sexual-harassment/

• https://www.paradigmiq.com/blog/four-types-of-sexual-harassment-and-how-to-prevent-them-in-the-workplace/

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK587339/