Workplace sexual harassment is the conduct of a person in an offensive or pervasive manner in relation to a person's sex that directly affects the employment of a person. Recent studies have shown that sexual harassment in the workplace is a common occurrence in most places, in the United States. This is a problem that affects both the employees and employers. According to the United States constitution, sexual harassment is discrimination that directly infringes Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This act is a federal law that outlaws discrimination in the workplace based on a person's sex, religion, color, race and national origin. The act applies to employers that have over 15 workers, and it includes the both the state, local and federal institutions. The Title, VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 also prohibits retribution on anyone who complains of sexual harassment or is involved in an investigation concerning sexual harassment.
There are two well-known, legally outlawed types of sexual harassment in the workplace. The first one is the Quid pro quo that refers to an agreement or disagreement with a sexual demand is applied while making a decision regarding employment. The second outlawed type of sexual harassment in the working place is hostile work environment. This is where a person is exposed to annoying voiced or physical sexual conduct. This comprises appeals for sexual favors and other sexual behavior that adversely affects a person as well as the person's capacity to perform (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 2013).
Looking at all the cases of sexual harassment filed in the U.S., we find out that women are the most affected. Very few cases have been reported regarding men being sexually harassed. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Commission, of the 12,510 complaints of sexual harassment they received in 2007, 16% were filed by men. They argue that most sexual harassment claims affecting men are not reported as men are "less likely than women to report this of behavior.
