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Contractor Care Helpdesk

Sexual Harassment Fact Sheet

Caitlin Dillon
  • Updated

SEXUAL HARASSMENT FACT SHEET
Sexual harassment is a form of sex/gender discrimination, including pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. It affects individuals of any gender and does not require sexual desire or opposite-gender parties.

TWO TYPES OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT:

  1. Quid pro quo: Employment benefits in exchange for sexual conduct.

  2. Hostile work environment: Unwelcome sex-based conduct that disrupts work or creates a hostile setting. One severe act may be enough.

EXAMPLES INCLUDE:

  • Unwanted advances

  • Promising benefits for sexual favors

  • Leering, gestures, sexual images

  • Derogatory or graphic comments

  • Obscene messages

  • Unwanted touching or blocking movement

  • Retaliation for complaints

FILING A COMPLAINT:
You can file with CRD within 3 years of the last harassment or retaliation act. CRD investigates and may seek damages, court orders, and attorney’s fees. You may also file a private lawsuit after receiving a Right-to-Sue notice.

EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES:
All employers are covered. They’re liable for supervisor and agent harassment. They must prevent and address harassment, including from non-employees. They must investigate complaints, protect confidentiality, avoid retaliation, and follow training laws.

MANDATED ACTIONS:

  1. Distribute this fact sheet or compliant materials.

  2. Post the CRD “Workplace Discrimination” poster.

  3. Create a written prevention policy including a complaint process and protected groups.

  4. Share the policy (e.g., email, print, orientation).

  5. Translate it if 10%+ of workers speak another language.

  6. Provide required sexual harassment training for all employees (1 hour for nonsupervisory, 2 for supervisory, every 2 years).

TO FILE A COMPLAINT:
Visit calcivilrights.ca.gov/complaintprocess
Toll-Free: 800.884.1684 | TTY: 800.700.2320

See poster for more details.