Introduction

👋 Let's talk about sexual harassment prevention. Okay, probably not what you had in mind for today but it means a lot that you're here. If you watch the news or been on the internet in the last decade, you're likely aware of the #MeToo movement, push for more gender inclusivity, and countless cases of sexual harassment.

Unfortunately, the latter happens in the workplace way too often. Some not so fun facts: more than two-thirds of women have been sexually harassed in a professional setting and an even higher percentage of victims don't report it.

We're here not only because this training is required by law, but also because your company cares deeply about your safety and well-being. So we'll walk you through what's important to know and how everyone can help build on the culture that makes here a great place to work.

First things first – what the law says ⚖️

What: Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination and is UNLAWFUL under federal, state, and local law. This includes unwelcome advances and harassment that's sexual in nature or directed on the basis of gender. Sexual harassment can be verbal, physical, and psychological.

Who: ANYONE can be a harasser or a victim, regardless of gender and workplace position or status. This applies to supervisors, coworkers, and third-parties (clients, vendors, to even non-employees).

Where: ANYWHERE that work happens, whether you're in the office, remote, or at happy hour. Plus wherever you communicate – in-person, Slack, calls, texts, you name it.

How: There are two main types of sexual harassment:

• Hostile Environment 🤬: A workplace that's intimidating for victims because of sex-based displays, gestures, remarks, sabotage, bullying, etc.
• Quid Pro Quo ↔️: An exchange of sexual services with someone of authority for gain (e.g., promotion) or to avoid loss (e.g., demotion)

Sexual harassment isn't just "bad touch" ✋🛑

We've mentioned the two main types of sexual harassment recognized by the law: Hostile Environment and Quid Pro Quo (which means 'something for something' by the way). Now let's take a closer at look how they can actually happen in the workplace:

Remember: It's not a last resort, go report 📝

📣 Everyone has a responsibility to recognize the signs of sexual harassment, prevent it from happening, and report it should it happen:

• If you're sexually harassed, you're encouraged to report it to a supervisor/manager or HR so that your employer can take action. Know that you're protected by law from negative actions that could be taken by the supervisor/manager or employer for reporting (aka retaliation).
• If you witness sexual harassment, you should report it to a supervisor/manager and assist in the investigation. The law also protects you from any retaliation.

Bystander Intervention also means that you absolutely have the power to take action when you notice others at risk for harassment, discrimination, or violence. It can feel scary and uncomfortable to step in, but just know that you're doing the right thing by intervening and speaking up.

• If you're a supervisor or manager, it's your duty to report harassment that you observe or know of to your employer. You can be disciplined for failing to report, letting harassment continue, or retaliating.