Sexual harassment is uninvited and unwanted sexual attention made by a person who knows, or ought reasonably to know that it is unwelcome. Sexual harassment is defined as a course of abusive, unwelcome conduct or comment made on the basis of gender; or, any sexual solicitation or advance that is unwelcome, especially if it may reasonably be seen to be putting a condition on employment, or the receiving or withholding of any benefit or service. The unwanted behaviour may be either physical or verbal. It may include one or more of the following:
- unnecessary physical contact, such as touching, patting or pinching
- demands for sexual favours in return for a promise of a reward or a threat of reprisal
- unwelcome sexual remarks or jokes that denigrate one’s gender
- displaying derogatory materials such as pictures, cartoons or printed matter
Everyone has the right to be treated with respect and dignity and to be assessed on the basis of their personal merit. Sexual harassment can create a negative and hostile environment which can have an adverse effect on the victim.