Sexual Harassment Training | Sexual Harassment Defined

Summary

This video explains the legal definition of sexual harassment, detailing its verbal, visual, and physical forms. It distinguishes between two categories: quid pro quo and hostile environment, emphasizing that harassment can affect any employee, not just the direct victim. The video provides examples and highlights employer responsibilities, including the necessity of having training programs and reporting procedures to mitigate liability. By understanding these concepts, organizations can create safer workplaces and prevent costly lawsuits.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is severe or pervasive.
• 😀 Conduct of a sexual nature is categorized into three parts: verbal, visual, and physical.
• 😀 Verbal harassment includes inappropriate comments, sexual jokes, requests for sexual favors, and offensive language.
• 😀 Visual harassment encompasses sexual posters, emails, cartoons, and any inappropriate imagery.
• 😀 Physical harassment involves actions such as inappropriate touching, blocking movement, and sexual gestures.
• 😀 There are two categories of sexual harassment: quid pro quo and hostile environment.
• 😀 Quid pro quo harassment occurs when job rewards or punishments are contingent upon sexual favors.
• 😀 Hostile environment harassment creates an intimidating or offensive work atmosphere affecting job performance.
• 😀 Employees must prove that the harassment was offensive, even if it wasn't directed at them specifically.
• 😀 Employers can be liable if they knew or should have known about the harassment and failed to take action.

Q & A

What is the definition of sexual harassment according to the law?

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is severe or pervasive, affecting working conditions or creating a hostile work environment.

What are the three categories of sexual conduct?

The three categories of sexual conduct are verbal, visual, and physical.

Can you give examples of verbal sexual harassment?

Examples of verbal sexual harassment include comments about clothing, sexual or gender-based jokes, requests for sexual favors, and spreading rumors about a person's personal or sexual life.

What constitutes visual sexual harassment?

Visual sexual harassment includes displaying posters, drawings, pictures, screen savers, cartoons, emails, or texts of a sexual nature.

What are some examples of physical sexual harassment?

Physical sexual harassment examples include assault, inappropriate touching, such as kissing or hugging, sexual gesturing, or leering.

What are the two categories of sexual harassment?

The two categories of sexual harassment are quid pro quo and hostile environment.

What does quid pro quo mean in the context of sexual harassment?

Quid pro quo means 'this for that,' occurring when a boss uses job rewards or punishments to coerce employees into a sexual relationship or act.

How is a hostile environment defined in relation to sexual harassment?

A hostile environment is defined as conduct that unreasonably interferes with work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.

What are the conditions that determine employer liability in cases of hostile environment sexual harassment?

Employers may be liable if they knew or should have known about the harassment and failed to take appropriate corrective action.

How can employers protect themselves from sexual harassment lawsuits?

Employers can shield themselves from lawsuits by having a training program and a clear procedure for reporting harassment claims.