| Internal | External | workplace violence |
What is sexual abuse?
What are the various forms of sexual abuse?
What are the signs of sexual abuse?
Many sources define sexual abuse as repeated and unwanted sex-oriented remarks, behaviours or gestures that attack an individual’s dignity and security and their physical and psychological integrity. In the workplace, sexual abuse may be accompanied by blackmail and abuse of power that could compromise employment.
Sexual abuse may be overt or subtle. It comprises some or all of the following:
Relationship between aggressor and victim
Repeated abuse: harassment
Attack on personal dignity and security
Work environment deterioration
Employment in jeopardy
The main forms of sexual abuse in the workplace are: sexual harassment, sexism, homophobia, sexual assault or rape.
The following are examples of the remarks, behaviours or gestures that constitute sexual abuse.
| REMARKS | GESTURES |
| Allusions to sexual preferences Blackmail / threats Comments on appearance/body Double entendres Indecent proposals Intimate references Obscene language Sexual innuendoes Unsolicited advances Unwanted advances |
Caresses Fonding Indiscrete glances Intimate relations Kissing Obscene gestures Pinching Sexual stimulation |
BEHAVIOURS
Denying employee benefits to a person who has not responded to sexual advances.
Dismissing or firing a person who refused sexual advances.
Forcing a person to show off cleavage, to undress.
Forcing a person to wear a “sexy” outfit.
Getting too close physically while working.
Insistently recounting personal sexual experiences.
Raping a person by physical force or by threatening blackmail.
Showing, displaying degrading sexual images or obscene materials.
Warning! The Commission des droits de la personne du Québec states that a single isolated act may be considered sexual harassment.
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