Sexual Harassment
As a leading provider of HR Compliance eLearning, our experts are often asked about Sexual Harassment. We've collected all of those questions and answered them for you below...
Frequently asked questions
Yes, our Sexual Harassment Awareness training is CPD Accredited and takes just 25 minutes to complete!
It’s any unwanted and repeated behaviour of a sexual nature. Gender is one of the 9 Protected Characteristics that are legally safeguarded by the Equality Act. So any unwanted or prejudiced behaviour that’s directed at someone because of their sex is a form of discrimination.
Sexual harassment can be split into many different specific categories, but generally, they are split into 3 - verbal, non-verbal, and physical.
Some examples of these types of sexual harassment are:
Verbal Harassment
This may involve sexually suggestive comments or questions. For example, making comments on your body image, appearance, or name-calling.
Sexual Jokes
If someone is making sexual jokes whether they are aimed at you or not, if they make you feel offended or intimidated then this would count as sexual harassment.
Sexual Advances
These unwanted advances are a form of sexual harassment. This includes ‘leering’ or unwanted sexual propositions through any form of communication (phone, email, or face-to-face).
Sexual Images
Displaying sexual, explicit or pornographic images may cause offence to others.
Other forms might include making conditions of employment dependent on sexual favours, requests of sexual favours, exposing oneself in front of others, or discussing relations, stories, or fantasies in the workplace.
Sexual assault is different from sexual harassment. The Met Police state that “The overall definition of sexual or indecent assault is an act of physical, psychological and emotional violation in the form of a sexual act, inflicted on someone without their consent. It can involve forcing or manipulating someone to witness or participate in any sexual acts.”
Before making a complaint, employees should check their company policy surrounding sexual harassment (which all organisations should have) to see who they should file the complaint to. Many policies would suggest the complaint gets made in writing (letter or email) to their manager/supervisor but they may also advise that you go to a Human Resources team member with training for these situations or a trade union representative.
It is beneficial to keep notes of events of harassment, especially if it is particularly upsetting as evidence going forward with the complaint.
White papers & guides
Sexual Harassment in UK Workplaces
Sexual Harassment is any unwanted & repeated behaviour of a sexual nature and it is a form of discrimination, which is illegal.
Documents & other resources
Confronting Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
A guide on what to do if you have been a victim of Sexual Harassment and how to come forward about it.
Sexual Harassment in UK Workplaces
Sexual Harassment is any unwanted & repeated behaviour of a sexual nature and it is a form of discrimination, which is illegal.