What can I do if I have been sexually harassed at work?
Updated July 23The law says that sexual harassment happens when someone says or does something sexual that:
- they know is not wanted, or
- any reasonable person would know is not wanted.
Sexual harassment can take place in many ways. For example, it can happen when someone:
- asks sexual questions or makes people talk about sexual topics
- makes sexual jokes
- makes comments or jokes about a person's gender, body, or sexual orientation
- displays or sends pictures that are pornographic or sexually graphic
- touches or stares for no reason
- asks for hugs, dates, or sexual favours
There are many other ways that sexual harassment can happen. The Ontario Human Rights Commission has more information to help you understand and identify sexual harassment.
Laws against harassment
There are laws that protect you if you have been sexually harassed at work.
Human rights laws
Ontario's human rights laws say that your employer must not discriminate against you. And if other workers discriminate against you, your employer must take steps to make them stop.
Sexual harassment is a kind of that's based on sex or sexual orientation. So, if you're sexually harassed at work, your employer can be legally responsible for any injury that you suffer. Injuries include mental distress and harm to your self-respect.
Employment laws
Ontario's employment laws also protect against sexual harassment in a certain way. If your employer does not put a stop to the sexual harassment, you may feel forced to leave your job. If this happens, you may be able to get , as if you were wrongfully fired. This is called . To claim constructive dismissal, you must leave your job.
Workplace safety
Another option is to make a workplace safety complaint. Your employer must provide a safe workplace. And they must look into any complaints about at work.
Get help
There are pros and cons to each option and their deadlines may be different. Talk to a lawyer or speak with Sexual Harassment Advice Prevention Education (SHAPE) to help you decide what to do.