Learning Outcome and Course Objective: Upon successful completion of this continuing education course you will be able to demonstrate the following:

• An understanding and definition of sexual harassment
• Know the differnce between Illinois and Federal State Law Defining Sexual Harassment
• The types of sexual harassment that may occur in your workplace

• Understand actions that can be taken by witnesses or victims of sexual harassment

• How to report sexual harassment to outside organizations, state and/or national agencies

• Protection laws to shield you from retaliation when you report sexual harassment situations *Whistleblowing Protection Laws

Sexual Harassment Overview

Sexual harassment is defined as harassment based on the victim’s sex. It includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and any other type of gender-based harassment including verbal, physical and psychological.

Workplace sexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination that can occur in the workplace or outside of the workplace with individuals associated within the workplace environment. Although the majority of cases reported are by female victims, harassment in the workplace can affect any gender of any age.

There are two types of victims that experience the effects of sexual harassment: The primary victims or the people that are on the receiving end of the unwanted behavior and the secondary victims or bystanders, those that witness or overhear the incident.

Approximately 72 percent of workplace sexual harassment victims do not report it.

81 percent of women have experienced sexual harassment in their lifetime. Almost three-quarters were harassed by someone more senior in their organization.

98 per cent of companies have a corporate sexual harassment policy, but only 51 per cent implemented new policies or training in response to company reported sexual harassment (according to I-Sight, “A Guide To Workplace Sexual Harassment” survey 2021)

Sexual harassment is harmful on many levels and to all involved. Those involved may experience long-term physical, psychological and economic injury due to the incident.