Prevalence and Experience of Sexual Harassment in the WorkplaceEffects of Sexual Harassment in the WorkplacePrevention of Sexual Harassment in the WorkplaceStudies of Sexual Harassment CasesFact Sheets on Sexual HarassmentSexual Harassment and European Union AccessionSexual Harassment and Trade UnionsSexual Harassment in Educational InstitutionsPrevalence and Experience of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Preventing Violence and Harassment in the Workplace, European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (2003)(PDF, 5 pages)
Employment Discrimination and Sexual Harassment in Poland, The Advocates for Human Rights (2002). This report analyses Poland's existing constitutional protections and the prohibitions on sex discrimination and sexual harassment found in Polish labor and criminal law. The report also addresses Poland's obligations under international and European law, including the criteria for accession into the European Union.
Sexual Harassment Charges EEOC & FEPAs Combined: FY 1992-FY 2003, United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (2003).
The Price of Being Sexually Harassed, BBC News (29 August 2001). Nine out of ten people who bring a sexual harassment case to an employment tribunal lose their job or resign as a consequence of the harassment, according to recent research.
A Meta-Analytic Review of Gender Differences in Perceptions of Sexual Harassment, Journal of Applied Psychology, Maria Rotundo et al., October 2001. This analysis of 62 studies looks at how men and women define sexual harassment and finds little difference in what both genders believe constitutes the more serious types of harassment, but does find gender-based disagreement about the more subtle forms of harassing behavior. A summary of the analysis is available here.
Third European Survey on Working Conditions 2000, European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Dec. 2000)(PDF, 86 pages).
Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment in the Workplace in Bulgaria, The Advocates for Human Rights (March 1999) (PDF, 36 pages). This report examines the working conditions of women in Bulgaria and concludes that the Bulgarian Government has failed to protect the rights of women because sex discrimination and sexual harassment are serious and pervasive in all phases of the employment process. The report recommends that the government adopt a range of measures. These include updating the labor code and enforcing existing provisions that protect women from discrimination, imposing penalties on employers that violate such provisions, educating the public about the problems of sex discrimination and sexual harassment, and creating an administrative body to review complaints of sex discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace.
Sexual harassment in the workplace in the European Union, European Commission, Directorate-General for Employment, Industrial Relations and Social Affairs (1998) (PDF, 243 pages).
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace in France and in the United States, Caroline Goette, National Lawyers Association (1997). This article focuses on the main differences between French and U.S. sexual harassment legislation.
Sexual Harassment in the Federal Workplace: Trends, Progress, Continuing Challenges (November 1995) (PDF, 73 pages). This report looks at definitions of sexual harassment, the amount and characteristics of sexual harassment, the impact of sexual harassment—both its costs and effects on employees, how sexual harassment has been handled, and key U.S. court decisions on sexual harassment. It recommends that federal agencies do four things: 1) publicize penalties for sexual harassment and encourage employees to take action, 2) make sure that managers and supervisors are firm and consistent in dealing with sexual harassment, 3) diagnose the extent and seriousness of sexual harassment within each agency, and 4) evaluate the effectiveness of any sexual harassment training provided.
Pandora Project: Women's Sexual Harassment at the Workplace, the Daphne Programme, Illustrative Cases. This project surveyed women about their experiences with harassment and made proposals for preventive measures to deal with sexual harassment. |
Effects of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace The Price of Being Sexually Harassed, BBC News (29 August 2001). Nine out of ten people who bring a sexual harassment case to an employment tribunal lose their job or resign as a consequence of the harassment, according to recent research.
The Sexual Harassment of Female Active Duty Personnel: Effects on Job Satisfaction and Intentions to Remain in the Military, Heather Antecol and Deborah Cobb-Clark (September 20, 2001). This report evaluates the relationship between sexual harassment and job satisfaction and the turnover rate for active-duty women in the U.S. military using data from a survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Defense. The report finds that 70.9 percent of women surveyed experienced some form of sexually harassing behavior in the previous 12 months. This experience led to "reduced job satisfaction" and "heightened intentions to leave the military."
Third European Survey on Working Conditions 2000, European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (2000). This survey results in the conclusion that 46% of European Union workers exposed to sexual harassment experience stress.
Psychology's Voice in Sexual Harassment Law, Bridget Murray, American Psychological Association Monitor, Vol. 29, No. 8 (August 1998). This article summarizes research conducted by Louise Fitzgerald, PhD, relating to the psychological effects of quid pro quo and hostile work environment harassment.
Sexual harassment in the workplace in the European Union, European Commission, Directorate-General for Employment, Industrial Relations and Social Affairs (1998)(PDF, 243 pages). This report concludes that sexual harassment victims experience psychosomatic symptoms, loss of self-esteem, interference with private life are the most commonly reported consequences. As regards the latter, it appears that harassed employees experience a negative impact on their career more often than the harassers. |
Prevention of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Sexual Harassment at Work: National and International Responses, Dierdre McCann, Conditions of Work and Employment Program, International Labour Organization (2005). (PDF, 74 pages) The report assesses the worldwide effort to prevent and combat sexual harassment in the workplace. It looks at regional and international instruments, domestic legislation and the role of social organizations and NGOs. The report also identifies what responsibilities the employer has, as well as the most effective measures and policies a company can take to prevent and combat this form of sexual harassment.
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: Do Employers' Efforts Truly Prevent Harassment, Or Just Prevent Liability?, Joanna Grossman, FindLaw Legal Commentary, 7 May 2002. This article describes Mitsubishi as a "corporate model for training employees about the illegality of harassment and discrimination and investigating complaints when they arise." The author uses Mitsubishi’s example to explore whether employer's efforts to prevent harassment actually work, or just serve to insulate employers from liability.
Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting: Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women: Final Report, OSCE, March 2002. [PDF, 29 pages]. Also available in HTML. This report includes introductory remarks by Alie Kuiper, Director of the Expert Centre for Sexual Harassment in the Netherlands, entitled Sexual Harassment at Work: The Current Situation in the EU.
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Enforcement Guidance: Vicarious Employer Liability for Unlawful Harassment by Supervisors No. 915.002, June 18, 1999, 11-18. This guidance provides recommendations for employer sexual harassment policies, complaint procedures, and investigation.
White Paper on Sexual Harassment, Harassment Hotline, Incorporated. This White Paper was prepared by Harassment Hotline, Incorporated, a commercial organization in the United States that provides employers with training, education, and documentation to identify and end harassment in the workplace.
Sexual Harassment: The Employer's Role In Prevention, Mark I. Schickman, American Bar Association. This article outlines an employer’s role in eliminating sexual harassment in the workplace from the U.S. perspective and includes a link to a pamphlet “Lawyers and Balanced Lives: A guide to drafting and implementing sexual harassment policies for lawyers.”
Civil Rights and Criminal Justice: Primer on Sexual Harassment, U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice, October 1995. [PDF, 8 pages]. This report examines sexual harassment in criminal justice agencies.
Handling Sexual Abuse in the Workplace, Certified Public Accountant Journal Online, Jeffrey Englander. This article describes U.S. federal law on sexual harassment and explains how companies can lessen their vulnerability to sexual harassment lawsuits.
Prevention of Harassment & Discrimination: A Guide to the Promotion of a Professional Working Environment in the OSCE. [PDF, 2 pages]. This leaflet details the OSCE’s policy on harassment and discrimination. It defines sexual harassment and provides examples of such harassment in three categories: physical, verbal, and visual harassment. The leaflet also describes a range of formal and informal remedies for sexual harassment. |
Studies of Sexual Harassment Cases
Sexual Harassment Charges: FY: 1992-2000, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. This site provides data on the number of charges brought by individuals and the monetary settlements involved in cases handled by the EEOC, the U.S. agency responsible for investigating claims of sexual harassment under federal law.
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace in France and in the United States, Caroline Goette, National Lawyers Association, 1997. This article focuses on the main differences between French and U.S. sexual harassment legislation. France is the only nation in which sexual harassment has been categorized as a criminal offense.
Analysis of Tribunal Cases, U.K. Equal Opportunity Commission, 2003. This analysis looks at 54 employment tribunal decisions in sexual harassment cases heard between 1998 and 2001.
The Price of Being Sexually Harassed, BBC News, 29 August, 2001. Nine out of ten people who bring a sexual harassment case to an employment tribunal lose their job or resign as a consequence of the harassment, according to recent research. |
Fact Sheets on Sexual Harassment
What You Need to Know: Sexual Harassment, HR Zone, 1998.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sexual Harassment is a U.S. legal site that provides basic information about sexual harassment.
Facts About Sexual Harassment, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Sexual Harassment: Don't Put Up With It, UK Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC). [PDF, 4 pages]. This is a leaflet explaining what behavior constitutes sexual harassment at work, what steps a victim might take, and what an employer is required to do in response to a sexual harassment complaint.
Avoiding Sexual Harassment For Supervisors—Questions and Misconceptions, 'Lectric Law Library.
Sexual Harassment on the Job,National Women's Law Center, August 2000. This site has background information about sexual harassment at work and answers to a list of frequently asked questions.
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, Equal Rights Advocates. This site includes links to background information, case law, and information about the rights of a victim of sexual harassment.
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, Progressive Coalition for Equal Opportunity and Justice, August 2000.
What would you do if your boss asked for a blow job?, UK Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC). [PDF, 2 pages]. This is a leaflet explaining that sexual harassment at work is against the law and discussing the remedies that are available.
Fact Sheet No. 6: Women and the Economy, United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI/2035/F), May 2000. This fact sheet describes international legal standards relating to women's economic rights. It also includes an overview of changes in domestic legislation enacted since the Beijing Conference.
World Health Organization Fact Sheet on Violence Against Women, June 2000. This fact sheet defines violence against women, discusses its health and societal impact, details a public health approach to addressing the issue, and lists action taken by the WHO to combat such violence. |
Sexual Harassment and Trade Unions
The Male Face of Trade Unions in Central and Eastern Europe: The Secret of Invisible Women, International Confederation of Free Trade Unions, February 2001. [PDF, 68 pages]. The section Sexually Blackmailed and Humiliated (pages 51-52) discusses sexual harassment, asserting that although there is little direct information on the subject, estimates indicate that sexual harassment is “increasing enormously.”
Violence against Women: Action Programme on Sexual Harassment Within the Trade Union Movement, International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), 1999. This report provides an overview of some actions trade unions can take to address sexual harassment, including information on a complaints and investigation procedure, monitoring, and training. A model complaint and investigation procedure is also included.
Closing Document, The 1998 Conference on Trade Unions, Homosexuality and Work, Amsterdam, 29-31 July 1998. The conference was attended by 170 participants from more than 30 countries, delegates of many trade unions and trade union confederations, as well as delegates from lesbian and gay organizations and many individuals concerned with the situation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender workers in the work place.
Promoting Gender Equality – A Resource Kit for Trade Unions, Gender Promotion Programme (ILO), August 2001. This booklet describes sexual harassment and includes a checklist for unions.
Trade Union Responsibility Towards Women Workers: The Case Of Sexual Harassment, Sujata Gothoskar. The paper gives a brief overview of the issues of women and trade unions, then goes on to examine the role of trade unions in handling sexual harassment cases in the context of India.
Zanussi Adopts Code Of Conduct To Prevent Sexual Harassment, European Industrial Relations Observatory On-Line, 1998. Also available in Italian. This news article documents how management and trade unions at the Zanussi group distributed Italy's first negotiated code of conduct to combat sexual harassment. |
Sexual Harassment in Educational Institutions Educator Sexual Misconduct: A Synthesis of Existing Literature, Charol Shakeshaft, Hofstra University and Interactive, Inc, June 2004. (PDF, 156 pages) This literature review was prepared for the U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Under Secretary, Policy and Program Studies Service. It describes prevalence of educator sexual misconduct, offender characteristics, targets of educator sexual misconduct, recommendations for prevention of educator sexual misconduct and other related topics.
Sexual Harassment in Schools, Equal Rights Advocates. This site includes background information, case law, and information about the rights of a victim of sexual harassment.
The American Bar Association has resources and reports on sexual harassment, including Sexual Harassment: No Stranger To The Classroom (1996) and Running the Gauntlet No More: Using Title IX To End Student-To-Student Sexual Harassment (1996).
Stop Sexual Harassment Now is a pamphlet prepared by the National Education Association (NEA) that attempts to explain the 1997 U.S. Department of Education "policy guidance" on sexual harassment of students under Title IX. [PDF, 4 pages].
The Wellesley College Centers for Women has several ongoing projects on sexual harassment in schools, information about which is available at Sexual Harassment and Bullying.
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) conducted a survey called "Hostile Hallways: Bullying, Teasing, and Sexual Harassment in School," in which four of five students interviewed—both boys and girls—reported that they had experienced some form of harassment. AAUW has a summary of the survey and a link to Harassment-Free Hallways, a guide to help students, parents, and educators stop sexual harassment in school. [PDF, 52 pages].
Hatred in the Hallways: Violence and Discrimination Against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Students in the US Schools, Human Rights Watch, May 2001. This report contains a chapter on Sexual Harassment.
Preventing Student Sexual Harassment, Wendy Schwarz, December 2000. This article is a review of effective anti-harassment strategies currently employed by schools.
The Early Warning Signs Of Sexual Harassment And Abuse In School, Mary Jo McGrath, McGrath Educator's Newsletter, 2001.
Seminar: "A New Social Contract Between Women and Men: the Role of Education", December 2000. The seminar touched on the issue of sexual harassment in schools and includes a report by Elina Lahelma, the Finnish delegate from the University of Helsinki/Academy of Finland, Department of Education, on strategies for addressing sex-based harassment in schools.
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) conducted a survey called "Hostile Hallways: Bullying, Teasing, and Sexual Harassment in School," in which four of five students interviewed—both boys and girls—reported that they had experienced some form of harassment. AAUW has a summaryof the survey and a link to Harassment-Free Hallways, a guide to help students, parents, and educators stop sexual harassment in school. [PDF, 52 pages].
Bullies and Victims: What Schools Can Do to Change Bullying Behavior and Assist Vulnerable Children , Safe Schools Project, Public Schools of North Carolina. [PDF, 2 pages].
Safeguarding Your Children at School: Helping Children Deal With a School Bully, National Parent-Teacher Association, 1997.
Parenting Tips: Bullying, Committee for Children.
Breaking the Bullying Barrier, Daphne Programme, Illustrative Cases. This report examines the problem of bullying in schools in Scotland, Denmark, and Portugal. |
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