Continued Respiratory Therapy Phone: 866-382-0799


What Are Some Examples of Non-verbal Sexual Harassment, and How Do They Communicate Feelings of Discomfort or Disrespect in the Workplace?

Angela Hernandez-Harris, MA, LCPC

December 1, 2023

Share:

Question

What are some examples of non-verbal sexual harassment, and how do they communicate feelings of discomfort or disrespect in the workplace?

Answer

Non-verbal sexual harassment encompasses a range of behaviors that convey sexual objectification, disrespect, or discomfort, contributing to an uncomfortable and inappropriate work environment. Examples of such behaviors include ogling or staring, where individuals look at someone's body in a suggestive or objectifying manner, causing them to feel violated or uneasy. Derogatory gestures, like mimicking sexual acts or using explicit hand gestures, can have demeaning implications and communicate a lack of respect. Sexually suggestive facial expressions, such as lewd smiles or winks, convey a sexualized message or intention, fostering an uncomfortable atmosphere.

Moreover, invading personal space by standing too close to someone intentionally can create discomfort and feelings of unsafety. Unwanted following, persistently trailing someone in a manner that causes anxiety, contributes to an environment of unease. Whistling or catcalling, typically done in public spaces, involves shouting explicit or suggestive comments to objectify or demean individuals. Invasive gazing, where someone stares at another person in a suggestive or offensive manner, causes discomfort and feelings of violation.

Additional examples include the inappropriate use of visual aids, such as displaying sexually explicit, offensive, or degrading images or drawings, which can contribute to a hostile environment. Intrusive photography, the act of taking photographs or videos of someone without their consent, invades privacy and is intended to capture private moments or body parts. Leering, characterized by casting a prolonged and conspicuous gaze at someone's body, is disrespectful, objectifying, and makes individuals feel uncomfortable.

In conclusion, these examples highlight the diverse ways in which non-verbal sexual harassment manifests in the workplace, underscoring the importance of recognizing and addressing such behaviors to create an environment that values dignity, respect, and personal boundaries for all employees.

This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, Sexual Harassment Prevention and Trainingpresented by Angela Hernandez-Harris, MA, LCPC.

 


angela hernandez harris

Angela Hernandez-Harris, MA, LCPC

Angela Hernández-Harris (she/hers/ella) is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and registered supervisor for counselors and social workers in Idaho. 

As a Latinx, bilingual/biracial counselor, Angie’s primary focus of counseling is to offer a safe, inclusive space where healing the wounds of complex, historical, and generational trauma can begin. As a survivor herself, Angie’s lived experiences intersect with her work, which focuses on advocacy for all survivors of abuse.

Angie is the co-owner of Hernandez Harris Counseling Consulting, LLC, and Live Supervisor for Boise State University's Counselor Education Program in Boise, Idaho. She specializes in early trauma and PTSD and works with children as young as two years old and into their lifespan. 


Related Courses

Sexual Harassment Prevention and Training
Presented by Angela Hernandez-Harris, MA, LCPC
Video

Presenter

Angela Hernandez-Harris, MA, LCPC
Course: #1835Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'Knowing what classifies as sexual harassment and the steps on reporting it'   Read Reviews
Sexual harassment is illegal, yet many examples of its harm exist in the workplace. This course reviews the definition of sexual harassment, provides examples of harassment in the workplace, and ways to prevent it.

Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness
Presented by Angela Hernandez-Harris, MA, LCPC
Video

Presenter

Angela Hernandez-Harris, MA, LCPC
Course: #1844Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'The presenter was knowledgable about the subject and did not appear to be just reading a script'   Read Reviews
Every year, millions of people are trafficked. This course defines human trafficking and reviews the types of human trafficking along with warning signs in the health care setting. The course provides identification and resources for reporting suspected victims of human trafficking.

Minding Gaps in Safe Patient Transport - RT and EMS Joint Task Force Series: Humidification Principles and Transport Guidelines
Presented by Nancy Nathenson, RRT
Video

Presenter

Nancy Nathenson, RRT
Course: #1547Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'Pertinent to my everyday job duties'   Read Reviews
This course focuses on understanding the humidification principles and the safe transport of complex pulmonary patients, including patients on ventilators, with advanced airways and tracheostomies. The course provides evidence-based considerations for best practice patient management before, during and after transport.

Minding the Gaps in Safe Patient Transport - RT and EMS Joint Taskforce Series: Collaboration, Communication and Care Management
Presented by Nancy Nathenson, RRT, Melissa Gulizia, BS, RRT, Joe Wiebold, CCEMT-P, Corey Mohnike, BS, RRT-ACCS
Video

Presenters

Nancy Nathenson, RRTMelissa Gulizia, BS, RRTJoe Wiebold, CCEMT-PCorey Mohnike, BS, RRT-ACCS
Course: #1557Level: Intermediate1.5 Hours
  'I'm an RT who works for an Ambulance company'   Read Reviews
Continuity of safe patient transport requires specialized care and key elements in building relationships between RT, EMS, and Medical Transport within the community. The course delivers an in-depth look at the relationship between RT and EMS skilled providers' experience and decisions in transferring complex pulmonary patients as they strove to keep them safe. Education and training needs, communication tools, potential risks, and care strategies for the best possible outcomes are examined.

Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP)
Presented by Benjamin Wang, MD
Video

Presenter

Benjamin Wang, MD
Course: #1880Level: Advanced1 Hour
  'Easy to follow and to the point'   Read Reviews
The importance and clinical significance of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia has reentered public attention due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This lecture covers known clinical literature and revisits the preventative recommendations endorsed by multiple US Academic Associations.

Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.