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What constitutes sexual harassment in the workplace?

Last Updated: December 13, 2007

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Two things are taken into account when determining if sexual harassment occurred in the workplace:
1. Was the conduct perceived as abusive by the person affected; i.e. was this conduct unwelcome? The main point here is the perception. Even though the alleged harasser might not have meant to be harassing, if the conduct was perceived as such, then it could be construed as sexual harassment.
2. Was the conduct severe or pervasive enough to create a work environment that a reasonable person would find hostile or abusive?

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