Conduct Which Constitutes Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment under both the Ontario Human Rights Code and the federal legislation covers a very broad spectrum of activity, including:

• unwelcome remarks, jokes, innuendo and taunting;
• suggestive and insulting sounds such as whistling, wolf calls and kissing sounds;
• comments of a sexual nature about weight, body shape, size or figure;
• displaying pornographic or other offensive or derogatory pictures;
• practical jokes which may cause awkwardness or embarrassment;
• leering or other gestures;
• unnecessary physical contact such as touching, patting, pinching;
• comments about a person's looks, dress, appearance or sexual habit.

It is important to remember that the abuse or threats do not have to be positive in nature, in the sense that an individual is commenting favourably upon the victim or indicating a desire or willingness to engage in some form of sexual activity. In one case, for example, a co-worker made a number of insulting and derogatory comments to the complainant including referring to her as a "fridge sister" and a "fat cow".

Should you require legal assistance, please email us at lawyers@grosman.com

...back to Sexual Harassment Index