Harassment can take various forms, but to qualify as a harassment charge in California, the behavior must generally meet certain criteria. Punishable actions under California harassment laws include: Inappropriate jokes, derogatory comments, and innuendos; Physical harassment, like unwanted touching or hitting; Verbal threats, both implied and/or explicit; Visual harassment, like posters or signs; Aggressive or repeated requests for sexual favors; Showing discriminatory behavior based on protected characteristics such as age, disability, race or ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and marital or veteran status.