Types of Sexual Harassment

Verbal Sexual Harassment:

Verbal Sexual Harassment is anything of a sexual nature that is said to, about, or near an unwilling recipient.

Some examples of Verbal Sexual Harassment include: 

1. Telling sexual “jokes”
2. Using sexually-explicit language
3. Making sexist comments
4. Using unprofessional pet names/terms of endearment 
5. Expressing sexual desire/contact/conduct 
6. Requesting sexual services or favors
7. Making inquiries on or discussing someone’s sex life
8. Commenting on unwilling recipient’s physical appearance 
9. Speaking to an unwilling recipient in a sexual tone
10. Requesting to go on a date after the recipient has already declined

It is important to note that a perpetrator’s intent does not excuse any form of Verbal Sexual Harassment. It does not matter whether or not the perpetrator intends for their joke/comment to cause offense. All that matters is whether or not offense was taken by the recipient. 

Non-Verbal Sexual Harassment:

Non-Verbal Sexual Harassment is anything of a sexual nature that is not verbally expressed and has not crossed the line of physical harassment.

Some examples of Non-Verbal Sexual Harassment include: 

1. Frequently staring at someone to the point of discomfort
2. Frequently following someone to the point of discomfort
3. Making sexual gestures to, about, or near someone (winking, blowing kisses, hand-gestures, etc.)
4. Exposing oneself
5. Discussing or sharing sexual images/videos on a personal or work device
6. Blocking a hallway/doorway
7. Sharing someone’s private pictures/videos without their consent
8. Sending sexually inappropriate texts/emails

Again, a perpetrator’s intent does not excuse any form of Sexual Harassment. It does not matter whether or not the perpetrator intends for their actions to cause offense. All that matters is whether or not offense was taken by the recipient. 

Physical Sexual Harassment:

Physical Sexual Harassment is any unwanted physical contact between a perpetrator and an unwilling recipient. 

Some examples of Physical Sexual Harassment include: 

1. Sexual assault, abuse, or rape
2. Hugging or kissing
3. Brushing or rubbing your body against an unwilling recipient
4. Touching someone’s hair or clothes
5. Patting, pinching, or grabbing someone against their will
6. Physically blocking someone’s path (in a hallway, doorway, etc.)

Depending on the severity of the action, this type of harassment can be classified as either Sexual Harassment or Sexual Assault. If someone has physically touched you without your consent, report this to your supervisor immediately. 

Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment:

Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment refers to a situation in which someone in a position of authority (a supervisor, manager, executive, etc.) requests any sexual favor (verbal, nonverbal, or physical) in exchange for a professional opportunity/benefit or in exchange for keeping their position (i.e. threatening termination for compliance). 

Some examples of Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment include: 

1. Demanding sexual favors to avoid termination/demotion
2. Requesting sexual favors in exchange for being hired/promoted
3. Providing a professional growth opportunity in exchange for sexual favors
4. Demanding sexual favors in order to access professional growth opportunities
5. Offering a raise in exchange for sexual favors

Hostile Work Environment Sexual Harassment:

Hostile Work Environment Sexual Harassment refers to any Verbal, Non-Verbal, or Physical Sexual Harassment that has escalated to a point where an employee feels uncomfortable reporting to work. 

Some examples of Sexual Harassment that can cause a Hostile Work Environment: 

1. Frequent jokes being told about someone’s sex, gender identity, or sexuality
2. Frequent sexual jokes
3. Frequent staring, following, blocking of walkways/doorways, and stalking
4. Frequent sharing of sexually explicit images/videos
5. Frequent sexual gestures (winking, blowing kisses, hand-gestures, etc.)
6. Frequent inappropriate touching
7. Frequent comments on someone’s physical appearance 
8. Frequently making unwanted advances (requesting dates after being declined by the recipient, requesting sexual favors, etc.)
9. Any action (verbal, non-verbal, or physical) that fosters an abusive work environment

If you feel that someone has crossed a line by in their actions or words to, about, or near you in a sexually-suggestive way, you may be a victim of Sexual Harassment and should report this to your supervisor.