Question
Who most commonly are the harassers within a workplace environment?
Answer
The identity and location of harassers encompass a broad spectrum. It is essential to remain cognizant of this diversity. Harassers can emerge from any background, regardless of gender. Both men and women can assume the role of a harasser. The gender of the victim need not necessarily be different from that of the harasser—an important consideration that underscores the complexity of harassment dynamics.
Sexual harassment is not confined to specific settings; it can unfold in various contexts. While the list is not exhaustive, consider the following scenarios: the harasser could be the victim's immediate supervisor, an agent representing the employer, a supervisor from a different department, a fellow colleague, or even an individual who is not an employee of the organization. Furthermore, It is imperative to acknowledge that the victim of harassment need not be the direct target. Anyone affected by the offensive behavior, even indirectly, can be considered a victim.
Crucially, unlawful sexual harassment can occur without resulting in economic harm to the victim or the victim's dismissal. The critical criterion hinges upon the unwelcome nature of the harasser's behavior, as judged by the victim. The individual who experiences the conduct is the sole determinant of whether the actions are unwelcome or not.
Remaining vigilant about these nuanced aspects of harassment empowers individuals to identify and address instances of misconduct. By understanding the diverse forms that harassment can take, one can play a pivotal role in fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace environment. In subsequent sections, we will delve into strategies for recognizing, responding to, and preventing sexual harassment.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, Sexual Harassment Prevention and Training, presented by Angela Hernandez-Harris, MA, LCPC.
