Sexual harassment, is coercion, bullying or intimidation of a sexual nature. It is the unwelcome or inappropriate promise of rewards in exchange for sexual favors. Sexual harassment is illegal. It shows its form through a variety of bahaviors from seemingly mild offences and annoyances to sexual abuse or sexual assault. It is a form of sexual and psychological abuse and bullying. 

Sexual harassment can occur in a broad variety of situations. Frequentlysexual , the harasser is in a position of power or authority over the victim. Power can be derived from the employor/employee relationship, educational relationship, differences in social standing or political status. The harasser can be a:  

• Supervisor
• Co-worker
• Client
• Professor/Teacher
• Parent
• Legal Guardian
• Friend
• Stranger

The harraser can be of the opposite sex or same gender. 

The harrassment can be intentional or the harraser can be completely unaware that his/her behavior is offensive or is considered sexual harrassment. It can often be the result of a misunderstanting. 

Retaliation against a victim who complains is not uncommon, and is part of the power that the harrasser holds over the victim. 

Workers are protected from sexual harassment in the workplace.  If a worker is being sexually harassed and complains to management, and management allows the harassment to continue, then the employer can be held liable in damages to the employee.  Additionally an employer can for a sexually hostile work environment when management knows the environment exists and is offensive to one or more employees and allows it to continue.

If you believe that you are the victim of sexual harrassment, please contact Steven L. Skahn to discuss how to best handle your response.