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Can sexual harassment be non-physical?

On Behalf of | May 26, 2021 | sexual harassment |

Workers like you want to experience the safest and most pleasant workspace you can possibly get. This is especially true considering how much of your day you spend at work compared to anywhere else.

Unfortunately, sexual harassment at work is still an issue that plagues many environments. You may not even be aware of all the ways in which it occurs.

Verbal harassment

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission examines the impact of sexual harassment cases. These cases often shed light on issues in workplaces that many of these places try to keep under wraps. It also brings attention to lesser-known issues, such as non-physical sexual harassment.

This type of harassment is often more commonplace than sexual assault or physical contact harassment. However, it is less bombastic, so the news often covers these stories with less frequency. They involve any form of verbal harassment based around your sexuality, sex or gender.

First, it can include threats or coercion. For example, an employer may threaten to fire you if you do not perform a sexual favor. On the other hand, they may try to bribe you with promotions or bonuses for the same thing.

Derogatory remarks and rumors

Next, it can include derogatory rumors or remarks in the workplace. This can include coworkers gossiping about your sex life or sexuality to the point that it interferes in your ability to work.

It can also include derogatory comments based on your sex or gender. For example, telling a female coworker to “get back into the kitchen”. If you have faced any of these issues at your place of work, consider contacting legal help to learn about your options moving forward.