How to Handle Verbal Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: If Physical Contact Isn't Made, is it Still Inappropriate?

Your boss or coworker doesn't have to touch you to sexually harass you. Many women are all too aware of the fact that they can be made to feel uncomfortable at work with little or no physical contact. The fact is, with sexual harassment laws written the way they currently are, it has become common for employers and coworkers to find ways to make sexual advances without clearly crossing any lines. Another problem that occurs with so many women is that they are unable to differentiate between these advances and simple compliments.

Understandably, we are concerned about our job security, and we are also concerned about falsely accusing a boss or coworker. Therefore, we are more likely to take the "safe" route and not report the behaviors of our offenders, or we simply wait until physical contact is made before speaking up. By that point, some may have taken your acceptance of verbal and non-verbal sexual advances as indication of an underlying relationship, which can make it difficult to prove later on that you were actually being harassed. The best method is to understand what your rights are, what is inappropriate work behavior, and how not to falsely accuse a well meaning person. With this knowledge, you can be more confident of the decisions you make concerning the situation.