Harassment vs. Sexual Harassment

Attribute	Harassment	Sexual Harassment
Definition	Unwanted behavior that offends, threatens, or humiliates an individual	Unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature
Types	Can include verbal, physical, or nonverbal actions	Specifically involves sexual behavior or language
Legal implications	Can be considered a form of discrimination or violation of workplace policies	Illegal under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Impact	Can cause emotional distress, anxiety, and affect mental health	Can create a hostile work environment and lead to legal action

Definition

Harassment is a form of discrimination that involves any unwanted physical or verbal behavior that offends or humiliates an individual. This behavior can be based on race, gender, religion, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. On the other hand, sexual harassment is a specific type of harassment that involves unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Types of Behavior

Harassment can take many forms, including bullying, teasing, name-calling, or making offensive jokes. It can also involve physical actions such as hitting, pushing, or unwanted touching. Sexual harassment, on the other hand, specifically involves behavior of a sexual nature, such as sexual comments, jokes, gestures, or physical contact.

Intent

Harassment does not necessarily have to be motivated by a sexual desire. It can be based on prejudice, stereotypes, or a desire to assert power over someone. Sexual harassment, on the other hand, is always motivated by a sexual desire or intent. It involves behavior that is sexual in nature and is intended to create a hostile or uncomfortable environment for the victim.

Impact

Both harassment and sexual harassment can have a significant impact on the victim's mental and emotional well-being. They can lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. However, sexual harassment can have an additional impact on the victim's physical well-being, as it often involves unwanted physical contact or sexual advances.

Legal Protections

Harassment is prohibited by various laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. These laws protect individuals from harassment based on their race, gender, religion, age, disability, or other protected characteristic. Sexual harassment is also prohibited by these laws, but it is specifically addressed in Title VII as a form of sex discrimination.

Reporting and Response

Both harassment and sexual harassment should be reported to the appropriate authorities, such as human resources or a supervisor. It is important for victims to document the behavior and any responses they receive. Employers are required to investigate complaints of harassment and take appropriate action to address the behavior. This may include disciplinary action, training, or other measures to prevent future incidents.

Prevention

Preventing harassment and sexual harassment in the workplace requires a proactive approach. Employers should have clear policies in place that prohibit this behavior and provide training to employees on what constitutes harassment and how to report it. Creating a culture of respect and inclusivity can help prevent harassment from occurring in the first place.

Conclusion

While harassment and sexual harassment share some similarities, such as their impact on victims and the legal protections in place, they also have distinct differences in terms of their intent and types of behavior involved. It is important for individuals and organizations to understand the differences between the two and take steps to prevent and address both forms of discrimination.