sexual harassment

sexual harassment consists of unwelcome, unsolicited, nonreciprocated sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually motivated physical contact, or communication of a sexual nature, usually by someone who has power over another; it includes comments, jokes, looks, innuendoes, and physical contact, and emphasizes a person's sex role over their function as a worker. The three most common forms of "friendly" harassment are inappropriate flattery, hostile humor, and psychological intimidation. When these incidents happen more than once, or when they are objectionable enough, a hostile work environment is created—and the courts take hostile environments seriously. A government report puts the annual cost of sexual harassment just among federal workers at $95 million—not including legal fees or settlements. Women who report sexual harassment or who are driven to the courts because management will not act on their reports are sometimes accused of "acting like a victim." Going to court is seen as being weak and needing protection. However, when a man sues his neighbor over a fence dispute, he is not viewed as weak and needing protection; he's seen as standing up for himself. A number of studies have reported that the majority of girls and women from elementary school through doctoral programs and in every type of workforce, and particularly in the armed forces, have encountered sexual harassment. With increasing education and courts responding to reports, sexual harassment is declining. See also battered wife/woman, date rape, provoke, rape, rape victim, she asked for it, victim, violence.