Third Party Sexual Harassment

In recent years, there has been increased awareness about sexual harassment, yet it remains a persistent issue in the workplace. As it is also often challenging to identify or prove, this article hopes to dispel some myths or misunderstandings. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination prohibited under federal, state, and certain local laws. Usually, it involves unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature. To establish a sexual harassment claim, victims generally must provide evidence that they either endured unwanted sexual conduct in order to retain their job or that the discriminatory conduct created a "hostile work environment" due to its severity or pervasiveness. Often, the harasser is a co-worker or supervisor, but it can also be a third-party – someone without a direct relationship to the employer. In some instances, employers can be held accountable for third-party sexual harassment toward an employee.