How to Recognize Different Forms of Sexual Harassment

Verbal Sexual Harassment

Direct Sexual Propositions: - Explicit requests for sexual favors - Invitations to engage in sexual activity - Comments about sexual preferences or experiences - Discussions of sexual fantasies involving coworkers - Pressure to go on dates or engage in romantic relationships Sexual Comments and Jokes: - Comments about physical appearance or body parts - Sexual jokes or innuendos - Crude or vulgar language of a sexual nature - Stories about sexual experiences or conquests - Comments about clothing or perceived attractiveness Gender-Based Sexual Stereotyping: - Comments about how men or women "should" behave sexually - Assumptions about sexual availability based on appearance or behavior - Derogatory terms that sexualize or demean based on gender - Comments linking job performance to sexual characteristics - Stereotypes about sexual orientation or gender expression

Physical Sexual Harassment

Unwanted Touching: - Touching, hugging, kissing, or caressing without consent - Brushing against someone's body intentionally - Massaging shoulders, neck, or other body parts without permission - Blocking someone's path or cornering them physically - Unwanted handshakes, hugs, or other physical contact Sexual Gestures and Displays: - Obscene gestures or sign language of sexual nature - Exposing private body parts or simulating sexual acts - Standing too close or invading personal space inappropriately - Staring at body parts or making obvious visual evaluations - Following someone around the workplace Sexual Assault: - Any non-consensual sexual contact or attempted contact - Grabbing, groping, or touching intimate body parts - Forced kissing or sexual touching - Sexual assault or attempted sexual assault - Any physical sexual conduct without clear consent

Visual Sexual Harassment

Sexually Explicit Materials: - Displaying pornographic images, videos, or magazines - Sharing sexually explicit content through work systems - Desktop backgrounds, screensavers, or calendars with sexual content - Sexually explicit cartoons, drawings, or graffiti - Inappropriate use of work technology for sexual content Sexual Gestures and Symbols: - Making sexual gestures with hands or body - Drawing sexual images or symbols in workplace areas - Using clothing or accessories with sexual messages - Creating sexual images or caricatures of coworkers - Displaying items with sexual double meanings Inappropriate Staring: - Staring at breasts, buttocks, or other body parts - Looking up and down someone's body inappropriately - Watching someone change clothes or in private moments - Photographing or recording someone without consent - Making obvious evaluations of physical appearance

Digital Sexual Harassment

Electronic Communications: - Sexually explicit emails, texts, or instant messages - Inappropriate comments on social media platforms - Sharing sexual content through work communication systems - Unwanted sexual images sent through messaging apps - Creating sexual memes or content featuring coworkers Online Stalking and Monitoring: - Monitoring someone's online activity obsessively - Creating fake social media accounts to contact someone - Sharing intimate images without consent ("revenge porn") - Hacking into personal accounts or devices - Using work systems to access someone's personal information