{"id":357709,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:26","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/employment\/employment-discrimination\/sexual-harassment-what-is-it.html"},"modified":"2025-05-30T13:48:40","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T18:48:40","slug":"sexual-harassment-what-is-it","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/employment-discrimination\/sexual-harassment-what-is-it.html","title":{"rendered":"Sexual Harassment at Work"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Sexual Harassment at Work<\/h1>\n
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\n By Balrina Ahluwalia, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that creates an uncomfortable or hostile work environment. It can manifest as unwanted sexual advances, inappropriate comments, or any other sexual conduct that affects your ability to work. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, such behavior is illegal if it interferes with your job performance or creates an intimidating work atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

You love your job. But one of your co-workers has been making it unbearable for you lately. From the lewd remarks about their sex life to the inappropriate and offensive jokes, you\u2019ve had enough. You might wonder if this is sexual harassment. Or perhaps you think it\u2019s not because no one\u2019s pressuring you for sexual favors.<\/p>\r\n

A great deal of confusion surrounds workplace sexual harassment. Still, it\u2019s important to understand that you have the right to a workplace free from harassment<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

If you suspect you\u2019re experiencing sexual harassment at work, consider speaking with an employment law attorney<\/a>. They can help you understand the specific remedies and protections to which you\u2019re entitled.<\/p>\r\n

In the meantime, we\u2019ll dispel some common misunderstandings about workplace sexual harassment. We\u2019ll also provide you with resources <\/a>and information you\u2019ll want to keep in mind as you preserve your well-being and figure out next steps. Let\u2019s begin by clarifying what this type of harassment is.<\/p>\r\n

Sexual Harassment<\/h2>\r\n

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination.<\/p>\r\n

Discrimination <\/a>is the unfair treatment of someone based on a protected characteristic like sex or gender. Harassment is a type of discrimination. It\u2019s unwanted conduct that intimidates, offends, degrades, or humiliates someone.<\/p>\r\n

Sexual harassment involves unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature. This sexual misconduct can occur in various verbal and\/or physical forms. For example:<\/p>\r\n