What constitutes as Sexual Harassment in the workplace?

Question

I'm a small company, 3 women, 50 men. The two other ladies are related to some of the workers, and have been working here longer than me. I'm 6 months into the job, I've been sized up and told to high heels on so my legs would look longer. I've been smelled and told don't put and perfume on cause my natural body odor turn 'them" on. There's pornography on a computer in my work area, the screen saver is topless women, so is the backgroung.

Answer 1

If you feel that you're being sexually harassed at work, you should immediately contact your HR. It could be (to answer your question)

passing around 'dirty' jokes

unwanted physical contact (that is NOT accidental)

sexually explicit conversation

stalking of any form

not being given projects/jobs/promotions because "she's just a girl"

having unequal salary with a male in the same position with the same responsibilities because "she's just a girl"

Answer 2

The usual standard for sexual harassment is repeated comments or actions after you told the person to stop. One incident does not a harassment case make. If you felt threatened it could be the basis of an assault charge. All that requires is that you felt your physical well being was at risk. He didn't need to touch you. The operative word is "could." Just because you "felt" threatened doesn't mean he actually did anything wrong. Some people feel threatened when someone says good morning to them. You could call the police and file a complaint for assault. I suspect that nothing would come of it other than you would look like a fool when the police investigate.

Answer 3

Is your workplace a big or small company. The reason I ask is, if you have an Equal Opportunity Office should spell it out for you. No, then you must provide proof of wrong doing and document that you requested this to stop. Witnesses are usually not a good choice in a business unless they are also fed up. If the perpetrator has any pull, he might make threats of firing, etc. Then you are without nothing.
You need to collect proof.
Unwanted advances by staff of a Sexual Nature.
Verbal comments, emails and jokes with sexual implication aimed at you.
Request for unwanted sexual favors.

Answer 4

Dave: Hi jane!
Jane: Back off, creep!
Dave: Huh?
Jane: Sexual harassment!
Dave: WHAT?
Jane: *SLAP*.
Lol, that is just a joke to show that people milk the story to make it seem more then what it is.

I believe sexual harassment is considered anything that involves touching, or uncomfortable conversation that consists of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment is also a matter of boundaries, some people get offended easier then others, and to determine that you have to get to know the person before you shall make an attempt at speaking of sexual nature. This way, you both could stay out of unwanted trouble.

What has been happening to you is definetly sexual harassment.

Answer 5

It started out as forcing someone to do anything sexual in order to keep their job etc. It's now gotten to the point that if a boss touches an employee on the shoulder and means no offense, the boss can be charged with harassment. I love the sign that says, "We do allow sexual harassment, however you will be graded". It puts the current lunacy of the situation in context. Things have gotten out of hand, no pun intended.

Answer 6

Anything that is unwanted or unwelcome.

As for acceptable touching, the only place acceptable is the elbow.

Other then that, everything pretty much is considered harassment.
 

Answer 7

any touch or statement that is unwelcome would be classified as sexual harassment .

Answer 8

IN WHICH COUNTRY?