The TimesUp and MeToo movements have shone a spotlight on the prevalence of sexual harassment at work. Workplace sexual harassment is a widespread and harmful experience. Workplace sexual harassment disproportionately impacts women. Workplace sexual harassment can be a traumatic experience for the worker, their co-workers and their workplace.
Sexual harassment is a form of gendered violence, and it is an expression of power and control. If you have experienced sexual harassment, you may feel powerless, hurt, uncomfortable, unsafe, or confused. Sexual harassment is a broad term that includes verbal, visual or physical behaviours that are unwanted, offensive, sexual and degrading in nature.
Most victims of sexual harassment are women. Most perpetrators of sexual harassment are men. However, sexual harassment can and does impact people of all genders, including women, men, non-binary, genderqueer, and other gender diverse people. But sexual harassment is underreported, so the number of instances of workplace sexual harassment are likely much higher. Since sexual harassment is about power, it is often directed toward workers in vulnerable positions and marginalised workers.
But anyone can experience sexual harassment. All workers have the right to a workplace where they feel both emotionally and physically safe. Many victims of workplace sexual harassment choose not to report their concerns to management. There are many reasons for this underreporting. Some workers are worried that reporting sexual harassment could affect their career, their income, their work relationships, and how they are regarded by their coworkers.
Workers might not report because they are afraid, or feel shame or guilt. That is why it is important to get legal advice about your rights and the actions that you could take if you are a worker that has been subjected to sexual harassment.
