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Employees

Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Workplaces everywhere bring together a wide spectrum of people on a daily basis, who would likely never have reason to come into contact with each other. Thus, it is no surprise when tense or difficult situations arise. Sometimes a colleague’s behaviour can disturb others and can even become so unpleasant that it can be characterized as harassment. When this harassment is of a sexual nature, it can be called sexual harassment. But it is not always easy to distinguish between one person’s idea of a sense of humour, flirting, and sexual harassment. Making a complaint when sexual harassment arises can be difficult for the victim, due to: fear of reprisals, fear that the environment will become hostile, or fear of ridicule. However, there are ways in which the respect of rights can be ensured.

In this Infosheet, Éducaloi defines sexual harassment as well the recourse available to victims.