The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 effectively defines sexual harassment at work as conduct which is offensive, unwelcome and unreasonable which results in a humiliating, hostile or intimidating environment and may include:
- Suggestive remarks or gestures
- Requests for sexual favours
- Insensitive jokes
- Innuendoes
- Lewd comments
- Forwarding inappropriate emails
- Accessing pornographic websites
- Unwelcome advances
- Threats of, or actual, sexual violence
- Fondling or touching
- Pestering for attention
- Displays of unacceptable material including pin-up calendars or graffiti
Sexual assault and some forms of harassment can actually be criminal offences, in which case you could report them to the police.
Your employer may also be liable if you have reported instances of harassment by a work colleague which the employer ignores or fails to act on.
