Some Myths and Facts

Myth
So-called sexual harassment is just natural, normal behavior. People should feel complimented that they are considered desirable and attractive. 

Fact
Sexual harassment is a power play using sexually directed behavior as a weapon. It is an inappropriate way to control another person through degradation and humiliation. It is not "sexy" and is not part of healthy human relationships based on mutual caring and respect. 

Myth 
Women are responsible for being sexually harassed by the way they dress and by provocative speech and behavior.

Fact
The most common motivation for sexual harassment is power and aggression, not sexual desire. Victims who believe this myth have tried unsuccessfully to stop the harassment by making their physical appearance as unattractive as possible and otherwise behaving to discourage the harassment. Nor are sexual harassment victims limited to young or physically attractive people. 

Myth
If an employee asks another employee for a date, this could be grounds for sexual harassment charges.

Fact
There should be no sexual harassment problem in asking a co-worker for a date so long as there is no coercion. The potential for sexual harassment problems arise when the person asked says "no." Rejection is no cause to retaliate through sexual harassment. When a person makes it clear that the advances are unwelcome, his or her wishes must be respected. 

Myth
Women who enter a predominately male field should expect to put up with rough language, dirty jokes and hazing. The women are not being treated any differently than the men treat each other.

Fact
This is a myth because many times the new woman in a previously all-male environment is not just treated as "one of the boys." It is not business as usual, but rather the men escalate the foul language or sexual conduct to test her or make it difficult for her to succeed. Intensified, ongoing, sexually directed conduct has therefore been held to be sexual harassment. 

Myth
The victim must be of the opposite sex of the harasser in order for there to be sexual harassment. 

Fact
The victim, as well as the harasser, may be a man or woman. The victim and the harasser do not have to be of the opposite sex.