What Is Considered Sexual Harassment?

So, what is sexual harassment? Sexual harassment includes any type of unwelcome verbal or physical conduct that would not have occurred but for the employee’s sex.  While often sexual harassment includes unwanted touching, sexual comments, or a manager’s asking for sex in return for offering a promotion, any conduct—even if not explicitly sexual—can constitute sexual harassment if it occurs because of an employee’s sex.

It is well-established that harassers will prey on those whom they suspect are the most vulnerable. They often single out those who are young, and especially those who may have previously experienced other difficult issues or trauma in their lives. Harassers will also seek out victims who lack a strong social or family network.

How to Report Sexual Harassment in New Jersey

The first thing to do in many cases when you feel you’re being sexually harassed is to ask the perpetrator to stop their behavior. As simple as it sounds, sometimes clearly expressing your concern with the harasser will be enough to deter their behavior. You may do this face-to-face or through a written message.

If confronting the harasser makes you uncomfortable for any reason, go straight to Human Resources or to some other supervisor or manager in the company. If you are uncertain about to whom you should report the harassment, it may be a good idea to consult with a New Jersey sexual harassment lawyer for advice.

Most companies should have a handbook, manual, or personnel policies that inform employees what to do in the case of workplace sexual harassment. If your company has such a handbook, you should follow the instructions on dealing with sexual harassment. Otherwise, you should go to your supervisor (or the supervisor’s boss if the supervisor is the harasser) or to the human resources department in order to report the harassment.