For many people, going to work isn’t fun. There are rude customers, annoying co-workers, and micromanaging bosses. The whole environment can be nerve-wracking for employees, especially when there is sexual harassment involved.
When you think of sexual harassment, you may think of unwanted physical contact. Maybe a co-worker hugs you inappropriately or a boss tries to grab your butt. While these are forms of sexual harassment, this harassment can also be verbal in nature. And verbal sexual harassment also violates local, state, and federal employment laws, as it can create a hostile work environment.
But you may be confused about what exactly qualifies as verbal sexual harassment. Read on to learn more.
Examples of Verbal Sexual Harassment
Verbal sexual harassment refers to sexually inappropriate comments and statements at work.
This can happen in many forms, including sexually explicit statements, sexual innuendos, and sounds such as catcalls, howling, or kissing sounds. It also includes making sexual innuendos or pressuring someone to go on a date or perform sexual favors. It could also mean asking questions or spreading rumors about someone’s sex life.
Offensive remarks about a person’s sex can also qualify as sexual harassment. Even statements about someone’s dress or hairstyle that are intended to compliment can be sexual harassment if the compliment is unwelcome.
Any verbal statements that are inappropriate and make a person feel uncomfortable at work can be construed as sexual harassment. Even if the statements seem harmless to the person who says them, they can still be considered verbal sexual harassment. Some examples include:
- Jokes
- Innuendos
- Sexist remarks and slurs
- Name-calling
- Insults
- Condescending talk
When it comes to verbal sexual harassment, the harasser can be anyone in the workplace — it does not have to be your boss. Coworkers, vendors, customers, and even subordinates can be guilty of unwanted sexual conduct. While women are the ones who are most often sexually harassed, anyone can be a victim. Both the victim and the harasser can be either a woman or a man, and the victim and harasser can be of the same sex or opposite sex.
It is important to recognize that verbal harassment is not about intent. It is about how the comments impact coworkers and others to whom they are directed. So even if you don’t intend to make someone mad, it could still happen and you could be punished for your actions. You could be fired or sued for sexual harassment.
Contact Us Today
The workplace is supposed to be a professional environment free of fear, abuse, and intimidation. Unfortunately, though, this is not always the case.
If you feel unsafe at work, the employment law attorneys at the Law Offices of Usmaan Sleemi can help. We have extensive experience providing aggressive legal representation for men and women who have been victimized by sexual harassment while on the job. To schedule a free consultation, call (973) 866-9415 or fill out the online form.
