“Sexual harassment is any unwanted sexual advances or visual, verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature” – the problem with this statement is that it fails to consider the “harasser’s” intent. Did they intend to harass? If someone puts their hand on your shoulder when standing next to you, are they sexually harassing you or just being affectionate in a non-sexual way? They may just be letting you know that they are there for you and care about you. Now, if you ask them to not touch you and they do anyway, you may be able to claim assault. The point is to give the person the benefit of the doubt and avoid making assumptions about their intentions.
With that said, if one intentionally attempts to make someone uncomfortable due to their sex or gender, it is most definitely sexual harassment and abusive.
If you work with, go to school with or see a person on a regular basis and you find them attractive, consider clearing the air with them. You may be looking at them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable. But, that’s built into our DNA. If we talk with that person about it, that discussion can go a long way in making that person more comfortable when they are around you. Come to an agreement as to what behavior(s) are OK with them.
Page last updated February 8, 2022