The American Psychological Association estimates that 71 percent of working women will be subjected to sexual harassment during their careers. Harassment on the basis of sex is a violation of state and federal law.
Sexual harassment is defined as any form of unwelcome physical conduct of a sexual nature.
The most extreme form of sexual harassment occurs when an employee loses a job, benefit or other privilege of employment, or is fired or loses a benefit or opportunity because the employee has rejected sexual demands. However, a determination of sexual harassment does not depend on whether the victim was threatened with the loss of a job or other benefit. Conduct which unreasonably interferes with an individual's work performance or which creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment is also prohibited by law. Finally, retaliation by an employer against one who resists sexual harassment or who reports acts of sexual harassment involving co-workers is also illegal. Demands for sexual favors in exchange for favorable treatment or continued employment.