Most of us think that a man often carries out sexual harassment on a female employee or worker. But very few of us know that sexual harassment can come from both sexes. The harassment can be sexual or simply directed towards the victim’s gender identity or sexual orientation.
Just because most sexual harassment complaints are against men sexually harassing another woman does not mean it is the same for every case. There are also cases where women do harass other women. Therefore, if you face sexual harassment from your employer, you should talk to the Law Office of Jeffrey A. Goldberg and discuss your case.
Can a woman sexually harass another woman?
Sexual harassment cases involving women targeting other woman are rare and occurs less than a man targeting a woman. But, there is a significant number of sexual harassment cases where women target other women.
It is beyond the law to sexually harass any person at work, regardless of gender. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 states that it is unlawful to engage in sexual harassment in the workplace. It also says that isolated incidents, mild teasing, or occasional offhand remarks are not considered sexual harassment. Under these conditions, sexual harassment does not happen if a hostile work environment exists. When the teasing, offensive comments, and other conduct becomes offensive, it is termed a hostile work environment. The source can be anywhere from managers and coworkers to supervisors. It can also be a person who is not an employee, like a contractor or vendor. Sometimes, a client can sexually harass an employee of someone else’s.
Sexual harassment can happen in two different ways. One way is traditional quid pro which means a female holding the position of power demands sexual favors from a female employee in exchange for something. It can also be a co-worker demanding sexual favors from another worker. Sexual favors in exchange for better pay, promotion, or improved work conditions.
Persuasive sexual harassment is the second way a woman can sexually harass another woman. Passing comments or off-color jokes about another woman’s body, interfering in their love life, or her sexual orientation is considered sexual harassment. It can also be termed sexual harassment if the harasser does not demand any sexual favors. If these kinds of behaviors occur often, it is known as persuasive sexual harassment. It often leads to a hostile work environment for the targeted woman and other workers who witnessed it.
