Health, Safety, and Wellness
Sexual Harassment
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is behavior of a sexual nature that is uninvited, unwanted, and unwelcomed by the recipient. Such behavior includes physical contact, verbal abuse, gestures, or written messages.
Sexual Harassment Includes:
- Continuous idle chatter of a sexual nature
- Sexual slurs, innuendos, and other comments about a person’s clothing, body and/or sexual activities
- Continuous and unwelcome flirting
- Lewd remarks or suggestive sounds such as whistling, wolf calls, or kissing sounds
- Implied or overt threats if sexual attention is not given
- Repeated unsolicited propositions for dates and/or sexual intercourse
- Jokes or comments based on sex
- The use of graphics or other materials degrading persons based on their sex
- Unwelcome touching or ogling
- Coercion, with the promise of reward
- Unwanted physical contact such as patting, pinching, stroking or brushing up against the body
- Attempted or actual kissing or fondling
- Physical assault
- Coerced sexual intercourse or rape
It is essential that you treat everyone you encounter with respect, and you should insist on being treated with respect, too! Harassment in any form is never acceptable. Being drunk or getting caught up in the moment is NEVER an excuse for behavior that is disrespectful or hurtful to others. Throughout your program, if you experience any situation that makes you feel uncomfortable, please notify InterExchange immediately.
You Could Be a Victim
Who are the victims? Anyone – male or female, young or old – can be the victim of sexual harassment from someone of the opposite, or the same sex. Bosses who promise to assist with changing visa status or offer additional pay or hours in exchange for sexual favors are breaking the law.
Taking Action Against the Sexual Harasser
If you are being harassed, take action to stop it. Some options available to you are:
- Say no. Make it loud and clear. A harasser does not expect confrontation.
- Keep records of all incidents and confrontations.
- Find witnesses or others who will back up your claim.
- Get support from a friend, employer, or anyone else you trust. Make sure you don’t keep it to yourself. The more help you get, the faster the harasser will stop.
- Call InterExchange immediately. We are available 24/7 at our emergency hotline 917.373.0994.
- If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
Sexism, Racism and Homophobia
- Sexism is prejudice or discrimination based on sex. It may be less direct than sexual harassment.
- Racism is the hatred, intolerance, or negative attitude towards another race or other races.
- Homophobia is the hatred or fear of homosexuals or people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered (LGBT).
If you think you may be being treated unfairly because of your sex, race, or sexual orientation, get support from someone you trust and call InterExchange to discuss the issue. We are always here to assist you!
For more information visit The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission at www.eeoc.gov.
