Many people in the Denver area may be victims of sexual harassment without even realizing it.
Unfortunately, in part because of bad actors and negligent employers, many Coloradans may not recognize sexual harassment when they see it.
A college within the University of Michigan gave some good examples of behavior that could be sexual harassment. While some of these behaviors are clearly and obviously wrong, readers may in their experience find others to be more common in our area’s workplaces:
- Making or tolerating jokes, innuendo or other off-color comments about sex
- Sharing or even simply viewing erotic, offensive or pornographic material in a work environment
- Bragging or talking about one’s own sexual behavior or body parts
- Graphic descriptions of or about the sexual act
- Commenting on the sexual history or body parts of others
- Continuing to pursue a personal or romantic relationship after being told no
- Excessive or unnecessary communication or personal contact, especially when there seems to be a romantic or flirtatious motive
- Unwanted or unconsented to sexual touching
- Saying or implying that a person can get ahead at work in exchange for romantic or sexual favors
Other behavior can also constitute sexual harassment
There may be other examples of behavior that legally is sexual harassment. When evaluating if one needs to act, they should remember the following:
- Harassing behavior is never acceptable from a supervisor toward a subordinate. Even one such act makes an employer legally liable.
- With respect to overall work environment, employers are not expected to prevent all improper behavior before it happens, but they are expected to foster an environment where harassment is isolated. When sexual harassment occurs, an employer must act efficiently and decisively to investigate and put a stop to any questionable behavior.
- It is important to keep in mind that a person may have a claim if they are being harassed because of their gender, even if the harassment does not involve romance. To give just one example, employers should take steps to prevent dismissive or prejudiced comments about women being too emotional or not good at certain tasks.
- No matter their gender, anyone can be a victim of sexual harassment.
Colorado victims of sexual harassment have legal options
Victims of sexual harassment in the workplace have protection under both federal law and Colorado law. If their employer does not meet their legal obligation to prevent harassment, victims should evaluate their legal options for pursuing compensation.