Sexual Harassment

Definition

Sexual harassment refers to unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that tends to create a hostile or offensive environment.

Analogy

Imagine you're at a party where everyone is having fun. Suddenly, someone starts making inappropriate comments about your appearance and won't stop even after you've asked them to. This ruins the atmosphere for you - just like how sexual harassment creates an uncomfortable environment in workplaces or schools.

Related terms

Hostile Work Environment: A workplace situation where an employee cannot perform his/her duties due to the behavior or communication of others, often involving discrimination or harassment.

Quid Pro Quo Harassment: A type of sexual harassment where one person offers another person a benefit (like a promotion) in exchange for sexual favors.

Title IX: A federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in any educational program receiving federal financial assistance. It covers situations including sexual harassment and assault.