Harassment: Overview, definition, and example
What is harassment?
Harassment refers to any unwanted or unwelcome behavior that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment for an individual or group. This can include verbal, physical, or psychological actions intended to demean, threaten, or otherwise cause harm to the target. Harassment can occur in various settings, such as the workplace, schools, or public spaces, and it often involves behaviors based on factors like gender, race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or disability. In many places, harassment is illegal, and laws protect individuals from being subjected to such behavior.
For example, if a colleague repeatedly makes offensive comments about another employee’s appearance or personal life, that behavior would be considered harassment.
Why is harassment important?
Harassment is important because it can cause significant emotional, psychological, and physical harm to the target. It can lead to decreased productivity, poor mental health, and a toxic environment, whether in the workplace, educational institutions, or other settings. Addressing harassment is crucial to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where individuals feel comfortable and valued. Laws and policies that prohibit harassment help prevent discrimination and protect individuals’ rights, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to work, study, or participate in public life without fear of harassment.
Understanding harassment through an example
Let’s say an employee at a company is subjected to repeated and unwelcome jokes about their ethnicity by a colleague. Despite the employee expressing that they are uncomfortable, the behavior continues, creating a hostile and distressing work environment. This constitutes harassment, and the employee has the right to report the behavior under the company’s anti-harassment policy. If the company investigates and finds that the behavior is indeed harassment, they will take appropriate action to stop it and prevent further occurrences.
In another example, a student at a high school is repeatedly bullied and harassed by classmates because of their sexual orientation. The student’s ability to focus on their studies is negatively affected by the harassment, and the school is required by law to intervene to stop the harassment and ensure a safe learning environment for the student.
An example of a harassment clause
Here’s how a harassment clause might appear in a company’s employee handbook or policy document:
“The Company has a strict policy against harassment of any kind, including but not limited to harassment based on race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, or disability. Any employee found to be engaging in harassment will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Employees are encouraged to report any incidents of harassment to their supervisor or the Human Resources department immediately.”
Conclusion
Harassment is a serious issue that can have harmful effects on individuals and groups. It creates unsafe environments where people may feel threatened, marginalized, or humiliated. Preventing harassment through clear policies and awareness is essential for maintaining respect and equality in all settings. By addressing harassment promptly and effectively, organizations and communities can ensure that everyone has the right to a safe, supportive environment free from discrimination and hostility.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.