Sexual Harassment, Rape, & Abuse

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Encounters that constitute sexual harassment include those where sexual advances, verbal or physical, either creates a hostile work environment, consequently interfering with a person’s performance, or any instance of unwelcomed sexual advances constituting abuse of power thereby any lack of submission may lead to retaliation by the offender (Strong p. 588-589). If the situation in question ultimately creates an unreasonably intimidating work environment, even if the victim doesn’t file suit against their aggressor, any person affected by the circumstances is entitled to do so (Strong p. 589). Keep in mind that sexual aggression, coercing another person, man or woman, against their will to succumb to any form of sexual activity through the use of force or clout, does not need to occur for this behavior to be deemed illegal (Strong p. 601). “As with all harassment, these apply to male-female, male-male, and female-female interactions” including gay men and lesbian women (Strong pp. 590, 601). Additionally, be careful not to confuse flirtation with sexual harassment, though under specific conditions may comprise harassment (Strong p. 590). If the person’s flirtatious demeanor is not appropriate for the situation in context, unwelcomed, intentionally not terminated even after the behavior has been discouraged, and where any end result other than submission may result in reprisal is regarded as harassment (Strong pp. 590-591). Often times blames falls on the victim because the situation is trivialized because of her choice in apparel or serious attitude. Gender differences, misperceptions, adversarial relationships contribute to harassment now being viewed as a widespread issue causing schools and workplaces to institute policies and procedures for handling situations like this as they arise or perhaps avoiding them from occurring in the first place. Strong,

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