Sexual harassment can take on many different forms. Below is a list of five common types of sexual harassment.

1. Verbal comment or gesture

Verbal comments or gestures from an employer to an employee are prohibited where the unwelcome or unwanted comments or gestures are of a sexual nature. This may include commentary about an individual’s body or sexuality, suggestive or obscene gestures, or the display of graphic and sexually suggestive objects.

2. Sexual jokes or advances

Unwanted sexual jokes, advances and flirtation are not permitted in the workplace. This includes sexual innuendo, graphic comments and repeated jokes made to members of one gender. Employees have the right to a workplace free from these types of comments.

3. Coerced sexual acts

An employee may not be forced to engage in any type of sexual relation with another employee, manager or supervisor. It is simply unacceptable for an employer to require an employee to engage in sexual conduct.

4. Quid pro quo

The literal translation of this means “something for something” and this typically takes the form of an employer making a non-work related request of an employee in return for something work related. For example, a manager is prohibited from conditioning a raise for an employee on the employee’s willingness to meet the manager for dinner. This may also include express or implied demands for sexual favors in exchange for continued employment or a promotion.

5. Inappropriate touching

An employee may not be touched, groped or assaulted by another employee, a manager or a supervisor. It is not appropriate for an employee to brush up against another employee and create unnecessary and unwanted contact.

The type of behavior described above is inappropriate and unacceptable in the workplace. If you or a loved one have experience sexual harassment at work, you should contact an attorney immediately to determine your rights.