A hostile or offensive workplace for women is created by repeated subtle, yet, unwelcome harassing behaviour. Sexual harassment generally takes place in the worksite in the office, factory or on work property but can also take place in other locations, such as at meetings or conferences away from the regular workplace, while employees are travelling on workrelated business, or at office parties and informal gatherings. Employers are obligated to address harassment in any work-related environment. An abuse of power Sexual harassment is an abuse of power in working relationships. The harasser can be an employee, employer, supervisor, coworker or customer.
Sexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination.
Often, its presence signals a gender-based abuse of power in the workplace. Studies have also shown that some women are particularly vulnerable to multiple forms of harassment. Aboriginal women, women of colour, and women in religious minorities may be subjected to combined racial, religious and sexual harassment in the workplace. Women with disabilities are also at risk for multiple workplace harassment. Women are also more subject to other forms of harassment related to their age, family and marital status.