A lot of Colorado workers are subjected to sexual harassment and don’t even realize it. This is because such harassment often starts as joking. Those who are the subject of the joking, while uncomfortable, may go along with it to get along with coworkers and avoid additional attention. And to be fair, one instance of a joke made in bad taste likely isn’t going to be enough to establish that sexual harassment has occurred.
Yet, not acting to stop this behavior can embolden it, leading to more frequent and aggressive commentary that’s sexual in nature. If left unaddressed, this harassment can cause disruptions in a victim’s everyday life, including negatively impacting their sleeping, eating, and social relationships. The trauma caused to them can last a lifetime, too, resulting in the need for ongoing care.
When does mere joking become sexual harassment?
There’s an important legal distinction here. While a single joke likely won’t constitute sexual harassment, incessant joking and those comments that are more severe in nature likely will be deemed inappropriate and illegal harassment. Comments and jokes involving the following should be closely scrutinized and reported to your employer’s HR department:
- An individual’s physical appearance.
- Stories of sexual interactions.
- Teasing someone about their sexuality.
- Statements that are demeaning to certain genders or sexual orientations.
- Questions about an individual’s sexual history.
- Spreading rumors about someone’s sex life.
- Making unwanted sexual advances.
- Making sexual gestures.
- Giving gifts that are sexual in nature.
There are several other ways that minor, isolated incidences can quickly turn into pervasive sexual harassment. So, be alert, be aware, and be prepared to act on your legal rights.
Act to protect your rights in the workplace
Your employer has an obligation to keep you safe in the workplace. When they fail, you need to take action to protect yourself and have your voice heard. Taking legal action is the best way to do that, so start considering how you can build your case to find accountability and recover compensation.