Many of the topics covered by Violence Prevention Center (VPC) services can seem uncomfortable to talk about. Hearing the words, “sexual harassment,” may bring unpleasant thoughts to mind. One of the reasons VPC exists in our community is to provide education and awareness around these difficult discussions. The more knowledge we equip ourselves with, the easier it becomes to end sexual violence issues as a community. Together, we can clear pathways for a brighter future free of domestic and sexual violence when we address taboo topics.
Acts of sexual harassment permeate our workplaces, educational spaces, as well as non-work and non-school settings. Sexual harassment is defined as any form of unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. While sexual harassment can appear in many different ways, there are common trends to become aware of.
Quid Pro Quo: From Latin, “quid pro quo” translates to “this for that.” When employers, supervisors, managers, coworkers, mentors, teachers, religious or other group leaders, coaches, tutors, captains, other students, or anyone else tries to get you to perform or receive an unwanted sexual act in exchange for something favorable (a promotion, a raise, a good grade, playing time, etc.), that is sexual harassment. If someone in those or a similar position suggests or threatens to negatively affect your reputation, status, or condition if you do not perform or receive an unwanted sexual act, that is sexual harassment as well. Quid pro quo sexual harassment can be explicit or implicit. Someone who may imply or subtly pressure you to perform or receive unwanted sexual acts may be perpetrating sexual harassment just as severely as someone who blatantly asks or tells you to perform or receive unwanted sexual acts.
Sexual harassment can be verbally perpetrated. Someone may perpetrate verbal sexual harassment by making a sexual comment or joke to, at, or about you. This includes indirect speaking and writing such as spreading rumors, passing notes, writing on bathroom stall walls, social media, and the like. As with quid pro quo, verbal sexual harassment can be explicit or implicit.
Verbal forms of sexual harassment may not be specifically against one victim/survivor either. For example, the individual who chooses to perpetrate verbal sexual assault may speak about sexual things (dreams, relationships, fantasies, etc.) in inappropriate settings or without asking others if they’re comfortable having these types of conversations or attention. Cat-calling and sending unwanted sexually explicit photos and messages are further examples of verbal forms of sexual harassment. If someone says or writes something sexually without your permission, that is verbal sexual harassment.
Physical sexual harassment covers a broad range of unwanted sexual attention. Sexual assault, legally defined in Minnesota as Criminal Sexual Conduct, includes forceful and coercive sexual actions and contacts. There are five degrees of sexual assault in the state of Minnesota, violating criminal laws. Sexual harassment, however, is a violation of civil laws as individuals have a right to live, work, and learn without being subjected to sexual harassment. Physical forms of sexual harassment include unwanted fondling or touching, gesturing in a sexual manner or about someone’s body, and performing sexual acts on oneself or exposing oneself sexually to another without permission.
Sexual harassment also includes comments and behavior toward an entire group of people, going beyond one person subjecting another. If someone makes negative comments or gestures regarding a gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and the like, they are perpetrating sexual harassment against that group of people.
At Violence Prevention Center, we believe all individuals are born with inherent dignity and have a right to live a life free of violence, including sexual harassment. If you believe you or someone you know has been subjected to sexual harassment, contact us to speak with a trained advocate. VPC support is available by phone 24/7 by calling 218-387-1262. You may also contact VPC by email, hope4u@boreal.org, or by visiting our website, violencepreventioncenter.org. We will listen to you. We will believe you. And, we will help you.
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