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Sexual harassment is a newly defined sex offense that gives the
victim the right to sue for monetary damages or other forms of
relief such as job reinstatement or back pay. As more women have
entered the workforce, college, the military, and other
institutions, the incidence of unwanted sexual attention from men in
authority has increased.
One-third to one-half of workingwomen have reported some kind of
sexual harassment on the job. Now that people have become more aware
of this behavior, we have begun to consider how women may sexually
harass men, although this is less common.
Sexual harassment is considered a form of sex discrimination under
the Civil Rights Act of 1964 because the victim is being singled out
for different treatment based on his or her gender. Sexual
harassment typically occurs in two forms. The first form of sexual
harassment is called quid pro quo harassment. This occurs when an
employee is told she or he will gain or lose a job or benefits
depending on whether sexual favors are granted or refused.
The second form of sexual harassment is called hostile work
environment. This occurs in the workplace when the members of one
gender are subjected to some form of conduct that is so "pervasive
and severe" that it makes it substantially more difficult for a
member of the targeted gender to do her or his job. If the
perpetrator is proved liable, the company can also be liable if it
did nothing to stop a reported harassment.
The 1972 Educational Amendment law gives some protection against
sexual harassment to students, but it does not allow a student to
sue. Schools, colleges, and universities continue to develop their
own policies on sexual harassment. Charges that could not be heard
in court are sometimes treated by special committees appointed by
university administrators. Some college professors who teach human
sexuality courses and use explicit sexual materials or include frank
discussions in their classrooms have faced charges of "harassment"
from students who feel uncomfortable.
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Men's Health-Erectile Dysfunction
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