Sexual Harassment definition

Sexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination defined by unwelcome sexual attention in the workplace. On a spectrum of severity, sexual harassment can range from sexual teasing or insults to abuse and assault. Protecting employees from sexual harassment and employers/other employees from the devastating effects of false claims are continuous legislative challenges.

According to the EU in Article 2(2) of Council Directive 2002/73/EC, sexual harassment occurs when ‘unwanted verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature occurs, with the purpose or effect of violating the dignity of a person, in particular when creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.’