Myth: Any unwanted touch, sexual comments, or sexual attention
is discriminatory and should immediately be considered sexual harassment.
Reality: Sexual
harassment is not about sexual desire, and what bothers one person won't
necessarily bother another person. In many cases, mild behavior is being
labeled sexual harassment when it is really a matter of personal comfort,
space, cultural difference, or even a simple miscommunication. In these
cases, the recipient(s) needs to communicate their feelings about the behavior
so that the person or people engaging in the behavior know this is offensive or
unwanted. If the behavior continues even after there has been an attempt
to resolve the conflict, this is an indication there could be a larger problem
that involves discrimination or abuse.
Myth: We live in
modern times, and sexual harassment is becoming less of a problem.
Reality: Sexual harassment affects 40 to 60 percent of working women, with similar statistics for female students in colleges and universities. 10-20% of men have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. Approximately 13,000 sexual harassment cases are brought to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) each year.
Reality: Sexual harassment affects 40 to 60 percent of working women, with similar statistics for female students in colleges and universities. 10-20% of men have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. Approximately 13,000 sexual harassment cases are brought to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) each year.
Myth: Sexual
harassment is inevitable when people are working together.
Reality: While interactions between people may be inevitable, uninvited sexual overtures are not.
Reality: While interactions between people may be inevitable, uninvited sexual overtures are not.