West Virginia Checklist of Warning Signs of Sexual Harassment — Workplace: A Comprehensive Guide Sexual harassment in the workplace is an unfortunate reality that can have severe consequences for both employees and organizations. In West Virginia, employers have a responsibility to ensure a safe and harassment-free work environment. To help employers and employees identify the warning signs of sexual harassment, the West Virginia state government has compiled a checklist of common indicators. Here is a detailed description of the West Virginia Checklist of Warning Signs of Sexual Harassment — Workplace, along with key keywords related to sexual harassment in the workplace: 1. Unwanted sexual advances: This includes any unwelcome and explicit propositions for sexual favors or advances that create an uncomfortable environment for the victim. Keywords: unwanted advances, explicit propositions, uncomfortable environment. 2. Sexual jokes, comments, or innuendos: Persistent use of sexualized language, jokes with explicit content, or frequent remarks of a sexual nature contribute to a hostile work environment. Keywords: sexual jokes, explicit comments, innuendos, hostile environment. 3. Inappropriate touching or physical contact: Any unwanted physical contact, such as touching, patting, or hugging, that goes beyond typical professional boundaries constitutes sexual harassment. Keywords: inappropriate touching, physical contact, professional boundaries. 4. Display of sexually suggestive materials: If the workplace has visible pornographic material, sexually suggestive images, or derogatory posters, it creates an offensive environment that contributes to sexual harassment. Keywords: sexually suggestive materials, offensive environment, derogatory posters. 5. Insults or derogatory remarks based on gender or sexuality: Verbal abuse or derogatory comments targeting an individual's gender or sexual orientation contribute to a hostile and discriminatory atmosphere in the workplace. Keywords: insults, derogatory remarks, gender discrimination, sexual orientation discrimination. 6. Retaliation against reporting sexual harassment: Fear of retaliation can discourage victims from speaking out. Any adverse actions taken by the employer or colleagues against an employee who reports sexual harassment is unacceptable. Keywords: retaliation, adverse actions, reporting sexual harassment. 7. Unwanted, persistent requests for sexual favors: A pattern of persistent requests for sexual favors, even after being declined, is a clear sign of sexual harassment. Keywords: persistent requests, declined, sexual favors. 8. Humiliating or offensive sexual comments about appearance or clothing: Making degrading or inappropriate remarks about an individual's appearance, clothing, or body parts creates a hostile work environment. Keywords: humiliating comments, offensive comments, appearance, clothing, body. 9. Invasion of personal space or stalking: Invasion of personal space, following someone without consent, or stalking behavior are all forms of sexual harassment that contribute to a sense of insecurity and discomfort. Keywords: invasion of personal space, following without consent, stalking behavior, insecurity. 10. Sexual assault or attempted sexual assault: Any non-consensual sexual contact, including groping, coerced sexual acts, or attempted assault, should be immediately reported as it is a severe form of sexual harassment. Keywords: sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, non-consensual contact, coerced acts. By recognizing these warning signs and promptly addressing issues, organizations in West Virginia can take proactive measures to combat sexual harassment at workplaces. Creating a safe and inclusive working environment benefits all employees and promotes a culture of respect and professionalism.
Para su conveniencia, debajo del texto en español le brindamos la versión completa de este formulario en inglés. For your convenience, the complete English version of this form is attached below the Spanish version.