A sexual harassment concern is any worry or concern surrounding verbal or physical conduct with a sexual nature happening in the workplace that violates the dignity of a person and creates an unsafe, intimidating, degrading, or offensive working and living environment. A concern can be brought up because of something seen or heard, or information which has been received. It can be a one-time occurrence or it can be ongoing/recurring. This includes any concerns about the behaviour or treatment of staff, volunteers, or program participants.
A concern may arise in several ways, for example:
- Someone’s behaviour gives cause for concern that either they are being sexually harassed or that they are sexually harassing others.
- Someone says they are being sexually harassed.
- Someone implies or hints that they are being sexually harassed.
- Someone witnesses a person being sexually harassed.