Sexual harassment is not a new phenomenon. It has been around for decades, and it’s rare to come across someone who doesn’t know what it is. In fact, according to the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), about one in four women experienceS sexual harassment at work. If you are one among them, better not to be reluctant to seek legal assistance from an employment attorney virginia to know about the protection of your rights at the workplace.
What is less well-known are the different types of sexual harassment out there and where you may be exposed to them at your place of work in Virginia. That’s why we’ve created this list of the most common ones with an explanation of what they entail:
- Sexually charged comments
This is a common complaint among women, especially those who are subjected to workplace bullying. A sexually charged voice or conversation without the consent of that person may be considered to be sexual harassment. Such comments and conversations might make victims feel uncomfortable and socially awkward.
- Passing around inappropriate emails or letters
This kind of behavior resembles sexual harassment because the victim is being exposed to the content of emails or letters that are allegedly private. It is also possible that the bullying involves inappropriate pictures or videos through email. The victim will then feel violated and distressed because they feel their privacy has been invaded.
- Unwelcome sexual advances
This is one of the most common forms of sexual harassment in the workplace. The boss may make sexual advances on the victim, or he may even touch her inappropriately. For example, he might touch her hair or her back as if to ask for permission. Something similar can happens to women who work in construction jobs. When a supervisor hugs a female employee, it is usually a form of misconduct and hence considered to be sexual harassment.
- Inappropriate touching
This form of sexual harassment is common in the medical field, especially in hospitals and nursing homes. This is when a supervisor inappropriately touches an employee. For instance, when he touches her breasts or rubs his hands over her arm or her legs. The victim does not consent to this behavior, and she would want the employer to take appropriate actions against him.
