Ohio's Law On Sexual Harassment

Ohio Civil Rights Commission

Sexual harassment is any unwanted attention of a sexual nature from someone in the workplace that creates discomfort and/or interferes with the job. It can take the form of verbal abuse, such as insults, suggestive comments and demands. Sexual harassment can also consist of leering and subtle forms of pressure for sexual activity, physical aggressiveness such as touching, pinching and patting, and can end up as attempted rape and rape. “Quid Pro Quo” is the term used to describe harassment when submission to or rejection or sexual demands becomes the basis for employment decisions directly affecting an employee. “Hostile Work Environment” is the term used to describe a work environment that is created when continued sexual harassment produces an intimidating and offensive work atmosphere, which negatively impacts an employee’s work performance. Victims face harassment from fellow employees, supervisors, co-workers, clients or customers. Sexual harassment can be committed by a woman against a man, or by members or one sex against others of the same gender. However, the majority of offenses are men against women.