When Are Sexual Advances Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is a serious offense that can have a variety of consequences on the victim. Much of what is considered sexual harassment depends on the perception of the victim. When sexual advances are unwanted, a victim will normally make their disinterest clear and the aggressor is then expected to stop. But at what point do sexual advances become illegal activity that can be punished in the form of money damages in a civil court?
Sexual Advances and Sexual Harassment
A sexual advance is when one person suggests to another that they should engage in some sort of sexually activity. The advance can be as subtle as an innuendo, or as bold as a direct question. Most advances without consent fall in the middle of that range and usually do not involve physical contact. In most cases, a sexual advance that includes physical contact is considered sexual assault.
Sexual harassment occurs when an aggressor is persistent in their suggestions that the victim should submit to some sort of sexual activity. The actions of an aggressor are considered sexual harassment when the victim has no intention on entering into consensual sexual activity with the aggressor.
When Do Sexual Advances Turn To Harassment?
Sexual harassment can be committed by men or women. It is important to remember that playful sexual banter is not always seen as harassment by both parties. In some cases, people will engage in this sort of conversation without offending each other. In that case, there is no harassment. But if someone crosses a line and does not pull back when they are told to, then you have harassment.
Sexual advances become sexual harassment when the aggressor is persistent and ignores the victim’s pleas to stop. Subtle innuendos might have not been an issue for a victim, but the victim might become uneasy when the subtle advances turned more aggressive. If the victim requests that the aggressor stop with their sexual advances and the aggressor does not stop, then the situation might turn into actionable sexual harassment.
If you feel that sexual advances have turned more aggressive and are becoming sexual harassment, then give our experienced legal team a call. A good place to get justice for sexual harassment is in the civil courts. You can stop the aggressor’s activity and make an example of them. We encourage you to give our sexual harassment lawyers a call before your situation gets out of hand and starts to affect your job and your personal life.