Sexual Harassment and You

Your Rights and Responsibilities

Sexual Harassment is Illegal

The NASW National Committee on Women’s Issues (NCOWI) has identified sexual harassment in the workplace as a major issue for women in the social work profession. Sexual harassment happens in student internships, within agencies, and—at times—from clients. The Bureau of National Affairs reports that 40 percent of women in the workplace have been sexually harassed. Other studies say as many as 60 percent to 90 percent of women have been sexually harassed.

Ignoring sexual harassment in the workplace does not make it go away.

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances. There are two major types:

• Quid Pro Quo, which involves a request for sexual favors in return for job security or advancement
• Environmental, which involves a hostile work environment and atmosphere and sexual contact and innuendo.

Most complaints allege assault and battery, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Supervisors and middle managers must by law act on such complaints. They must monitor conduct and observe coworkers, because they are liable, even with outside third parties such as clients who harass employees. Supervisors can be sued personally.

If coworkers are involved, then the supervisor must be put on notice.

Know your rights!
Don’t be afraid to take steps to stop the harasser.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines strongly suggest organizations develop and implement

• a sexual harassment policy a disciplinary process a grievance process
• training of all employees.

Organizational Responsibilities

• Organizations should initiate programs as preventive measures, not as crisis management. Organizations are held liable for the behavior of employees; supervisors and managers need training. Each supervisor has a responsibility to prevent harassment and to act on complaints.
• If the complaint is unanswered and a charge is filed with EEOC, the organization can be held responsible.

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The federal law protecting employees against sexual harassment is Title VII, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or gender.

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What you should do if you are being harassed

• Tell the harasser to stop. State the effect the behavior has on you. Repeat your demand to stop. If the harasser continues, tell your supervisor. If the harasser is your supervisor, tell that person’s supervisor or other appropriate official(s). Document your demand to stop. Document everything that happens. Consult your Personnel/ EEOC Office for advice. Tell or threaten to tell someone else. Find out if there are other victims.
• File a grievance or EEOC complaint.
  • Harassment cuts across class lines and economic levels. It can happen to all people. Harassment is about power, not sex.
  • Being harassed is not your fault.

National Committee on Women’s Issues
National Association of Social Workers
750 First Street, NE, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20002-4241
202-408-8600 or 800-638-8799