Define • Examples • What to do • Resources
A course of vexatious sexual comments or conduct that is related to a prohibited ground and is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome, offensive and intimidating.
It may involve conduct or comments that are unintentional as well as intentional. Thus, it’s defined by the impact of the behaviour on the victim, not the intent of the perpetrator.
Sexual harassment is discrimination on the basis of sex, and is prohibited under the Ontario Human Rights Act.
Examples of sexual harassment:
- A co-worker continually displays sexually derogatory screen savers on her/his computer in a shared work area.
- A co-worker hangs up calendars with scantily clad men or women in a shared office area.
- A student repeatedly disrupts a class with comments about a fellow student's or professor's appearance.
- A professor makes jokes about women's "unsuitability" for a chosen career path.
- A student repeatedly makes comments that "all women are ..." based on negative stereotypes.
- A faculty member hints that his/her student will receive a higher grade if he/she agrees to a sexual relationship.
- A supervisor implies that a promotion or holiday bonus will not be forthcoming if her/his employee does not agree to date her/him.
A moderate example of sexual harassment
During a class that required students to perform various fitness activities, such as running, basketball, volleyball, and calisthenics, a male faculty member advised the class of both male and female students that he wouldn’t tolerate any “female-type” excuses for missing classes – including pregnancy. He noted that his own wife “had jogged and exercised through her entire pregnancy, with no problems.” A female student found his remarks offensive and stopped attending class. She was pregnant and having some related difficulties and was afraid to approach the faculty member because of his remarks.
What can I do?
If you have been harassed, you could try to tell that person to stop. If it happens at the College, one thing you can do is speak to the your supervisor or faculty member or tell a Student union representative. If it happens where you live, you can notify your landlord.
Although you can try to make the harassment stop, it is not your responsibility alone.
The College, Administration, professional associations, unions, and people who provide rental housing accommodation and other services, have to make sure that harassment does not occur on their property, in their workplaces, or in their facilities.
It’s impact of your actions that matters, not your intent.
Often harassment is only related to gender based harassment, or sexual harassment.
The following is not an exhaustive list but it can assist in identifying what may constitute sexual harassment . You may be able to apply the activity in these examples to other forms of harassment.
- gender-related comments about an individual's physical characteristics or mannerisms;
- unwelcome physical contact;
- suggestive or offensive remarks or innuendoes about members of a specific gender;
- propositions of physical intimacy;
- gender-related verbal abuse, threats, or taunting;
- leering or inappropriate staring;
- bragging about sexual prowess;
- demands for dates or sexual favours;
- offensive jokes or comments of a sexual nature about an employee, client, or tenant;
- display of sexually offensive pictures, graffiti, or other materials;
- questions or discussions about sexual activities;
- paternalism based on gender which a person feels undermines his or her
- self-respect or position of responsibility;
- rough and vulgar humour or language related to gender.
Resources
Police - (911 in an emergency)
Can help you assess your safety and take action against someone committing a crime.
Sheridan College Security - 905-845-9430 ext. 4044
Can share general information about the law, the legal system and your rights.
Counseling Services - Ext. 2521, Trafalgar and STC campuses; Ext. 5160, Davis Campus
Can provide information on resources and help you manage during periods of crisis.
Crisis Line
May be able to help with crisis intervention and refer you to helpful services.
Transition House
Can provide shelter, information and referrals for women who are stalked by partners
or ex-partners.
People you trust
Family, friends, doctor, or religious adviser may be able to offer emotional support.
Other
Look for other resources. You may be able to get help from a local women's centre, a
sexual assault centre, a gay/lesbian support group, and so on
Although you can try to make the harassment stop, it’s not your responsibility alone. The College, administration, professional associations, unions, and people who provide rental housing accommodation and other services have to ensure harassment doesn’t occur on their property, in their workplaces or in their facilities.
Web
http://policy.sheridanc.on.ca:8080/documents/index.php?public=true&docid=70&mode=view
http://www.owjn.org/issues/s-harass/guide.htm
http://www.ohrc.on.ca/english/guides/sexual-harassment.shtml
http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en