Actions and Behaviours seen as Sexual Harassment

According to law, several acts can be considered as sexual harassment. Most of these acts include a discernible sexual element. For example, if Seema’s boss asks her to have sex with him, or touches her in a way that makes her feel uncomfortable. Some of these acts are listed below. ^{(( Section 2(n), Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.))}:

• Touching or any other form of physical contact that you do not want.
• Asking for or demanding sex or any other sexual acts.
• Saying things that are sexual in nature.
• Showing you pornography in any form that you do not want to see, for example, videos, magazines, or books.
• Any other actions that are sexual, including things that are said, things that are written, or touching.

Additionally, certain circumstances connected with any act or behaviour of sexual harassment may amount to sexual harassment of a woman. These include ^{(( Section 3(2), Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.))}:
(i) implied or explicit promise of preferential treatment in her employment; or
(ii) implied or explicit threat of detrimental treatment in her employment ; or
(iii) implied or explicit threat about her present or future employment status; or
(iv) interference with her work or creating an intimidating or offensive or hostile work
environment for her; or
(v) humiliating treatment likely to affect her health or safety.

This government handbook can help you understand what actions are seen as sexual harassment.