Sexual harassment is unwanted and unwelcome words, conduct, or behaviour of a sexual nature that results in an intimidating, embarrassing, hostile, degrading, or offensive environment for the recipient.
Sexual harassment can range from behaviour that stems from the obvious to anyone, or subtler behaviours less obvious either to the person responsible for the behaviour or the recipient.
Often the impact is not felt or witnessed immediately, and may go beyond the recipient to people who see or hear what happens, or who try to offer support.
Sexual harassment can include:
- Catcalling or following.
- Making unnecessary and unwanted physical contact.
- Sexual jokes and comments.
- Unwelcome sexual propositions, invitations, and flirtations.
- Making somebody feel uncomfortable through displaying or sharing sexual material.
Sexual harassment can happen in person, or online.