Sexual Harassment

As your sponsor, we want you to have a safe and successful program. It is important to know how to identify sexual harassment in United States. It is essential that you treat everyone with respect, and you should insist on being treated with respect too. You should never feel unsafe in your workplace or in your free time, harassment in any form is never acceptable.

Definition of Sexual Harassment in the United States:

Sexual harassment is unwelcome verbal or physical activity of a sexual nature that makes a person feel offended, humiliated, threatened and/or intimidated:

• The term “harassment” includes, but is not limited to, jokes, slurs, or other verbal, graphic, or physical conduct relating to a person’s race, color, sex, religion, national origin, citizenship, age or disability.
• Where a person, regardless of gender, is asked to engage in sexual activity as a condition of that person’s employment.
• Situations which create an environment which is hostile, intimidating or humiliating for the person being harassed.

Examples of Sexual Harassment

Examples of actions or behavior which are considered sexual harassment include, but are not limited to: Physical Conduct:

• Unwanted physical touching, including patting, pinching, stroking, kissing, hugging, or inappropriate touching (even if it is with someone you have had a relationship with)
• Physical violence, including sexual assault

Verbal Conduct:

• Making sexual comments about a worker’s appearance, age, private life, etc.
• Telling sexual stories or jokes
• Making unwanted sexual or romantic gestures
• Asking colleagues for dates or sexual acts repeatedly after they say “No”
• Insulting colleagues based on the person’s gender or sexuality
• Making job-related threats or promising rewards to ask for sexual favors
• Mentioning or threatening rape

Non-Verbal Conduct:

• Sending messages by social media, phone or email that have sexual language or images
• Displaying sexually explicit or suggestive material like pictures or videos
• Making sexually-suggestive gestures
• Whistling at people
• Looking at people sexually
• Taking inappropriate pictures or videos against a person’s wishes

Watch this video to get a brief overview about sexual harassment and some examples of sexual harassment in the United States.

Who Can Be Affected By Sexual Harassment

Anyone can be a victim of sexual harassment, regardless of their age, gender or the gender of the harasser. Sexual harassment may also occur between people of the same gender. If you feel you are a victim of sexual harassment, below are some steps you can take. What to do if you are a victim of sexual harassment: Anyone can be a victim of sexual harassment, regardless of their gender and of the gender of the harasser. Sexual harassment may also occur between people of the same gender. If you feel you are a victim of sexual harassment, below are some steps you can take:

• If you feel you are in danger, call 911 immediately
• If you feel safe, tell the person that you do not like the behavior and tell them to stop
• Write down a record of all incidents; Ask witnesses to write down what they saw
• Capture screenshots of text messages or images sent to you
• Tell your sponsor so they can help you determine next steps
• Report the behavior to your manager and/or to the harasser’s manager
• Talk to someone in the HR department (if there is one)
• Ask a friend or co-worker for support and help
• Try to avoid being alone with this person until you can report the incident and seek help
• If you share housing with this person, speak to the housing provider immediately and ask for assistance to avoid living with this person
• Please do not assume the host employer is aware of the problem. Tell your employer about your concerns and/or complaints so they can help you

Sexism, Racism, and Homophobia

• Sexism is the prejudice or discrimination based on a person sex or gender.
• Racism is the hatred, intolerance or negative attitude towards another race or other races.
• Homophobia is the hatred or fear of homosexuals or people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgendered (LGBTQ).

If you think you may be being treated unfairly because of your sex, race, or sexual orientation, get support from someone you trust and call InterExchange to discuss the issue. We are always here to assist you!

For more information, visit The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Find more on health and safety here.