Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that offends, humiliates or intimidates. It can include unwelcome physical contact, as well as verbal conduct (such as sexual comments, jokes or stories, comments about appearance or sexual advances) and non-verbal conduct (such as whistling or making sexual gestures).
Sexual harassment and intimidation in the workplace can be a form of sexual discrimination and is more prevalent than businesses may expect. Sexual harassment may also be a form of violence against women. Victims of sexual harassment (both man and women) can suffer significant physical and psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicide. Sexual harassment can result in the victim’s absenteeism and resignation and can reinforce the sexualization of woman workers.
Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe work environment and take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment and intimidation in the workplace, such as by developing and implementing a sexual harassment policy and by providing appropriate training on sexual harassment.