Are Requests for Sex Considered Sexual Harassment?
In any sort of interpersonal communication situation, things can get out of hand if improper assumptions are constantly being made. Just because someone holds the door open for you at a shopping mall does not automatically mean that they are petitioning you for sexual favors. Instead of generalizing the things people say or do under the heading of sexual harassment, it is best to understand what harassment is and how the laws apply.
Keeping Things in Context
It is always interesting to meet new people and to interact with those we see in a job setting every work day. Sometimes intentions can become blurred and things can get said that are taken the wrong way.
Staying Focused on the Moment
Sometimes people misinterpret other people’s actions or words and think there is a sexual connection when there is not. A person who is not a sexual predator can make a mistake and ask an inappropriate question. If the request is denied and the person accepts their response, then there may be harm.
A problem arises when sexual predators start using tactics such as coercion to try and trick a person into a sexual act. Sexual coercion with the intent on getting the victim to agree to unwanted sexual acts is sexual harassment. It is important for people to stay focused on the moment when they are involved in a conversation and be able to understand when it is time to back away from the conversation for their own safety.
How can you differentiate between harmless conversation and sexual harassment? The best way to handle any situation is to excuse yourself from the conversation the moment you feel uncomfortable. You should make it clear that you have no intentions on consenting to sex and you are not interested in continuing the conversation. If there are any questions, you may want to start taping the conversation. If there is no ill intent, then there should be no objection to recording the conversation.
If you find yourself the victim of persistent requests for sex, then you may be involved in a sexual harassment situation. Contact one of our sexual harassment attorneys who can give you the information you need and recommend a proper course of action.