Examples of GBVH

GBVH in the Workplace encompasses violence and harassment committed because of gender or sexual identity directed at Workers and Other Persons as defined in this policy and includes sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is unwanted sexual attention and/or threats or intimidation because of a Worker’s sexual identity including unwanted, unwelcome, unsolicited conduct of a sexual nature, that may have a detrimental impact on the terms and conditions of employment, and/or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment. The unwanted nature of sexual harassment distinguishes it from behavior that is welcome and mutual. Sexual attention becomes sexual harassment if (1) the behavior is persistent although a single incident of harassment can constitute sexual harassment; or (2) the recipient has made it clear that the behavior is offensive; or (3) the perpetrator should have known that the behavior is unacceptable.

Gender-based violence and harassment may include a range of behaviors, including but not limited to:

Physical

  1. Physical abuse including assault, battery, attempted murder, and murder
  2. Sexual violence, including rape and sexual assault
  3. Unwanted physical contact
  4. Strip searches
  5. Inappropriate touching or pulling hair
  6. Physical intimidation

Verbal

  1. Unwelcome innuendos, suggestions, and hints
  2. Sexual advances, sex related jokes or comments with sexual overtones
  3. Insults or unwelcome graphic comments about a person’s body or sexual body or sexual orientation
  4. Inappropriate enquiries about a person’s sex life or sexual orientation

Non-verbal

  1. Whistling
  2. Sexual gestures
  3. Indecent exposure
  4. The display of sexually explicit pictures and objects
  5. Leering

Sexual Exploitation exists when a person who is in a position of authority rewards only those who respond to his or her sexual advances, whilst other deserving employees who do not submit themselves to any unwanted sexual advances, including requests for sex, are denied those rewards whether in the form of promotions, merit, rating or salary increases; and/or conditions maintenance of employment or movement from probation to employment to submitting themselves to unwanted sexual advances; and/or punishes the person for who refuse sexual advances, including sex.

Other

  1. Threats of retaliation for refusing sexual advances
  2. Retaliation for reporting gender-based violence and harassment
  3. Blacklisting workers who report workplace violence, harassment, and other rights violations
  4. Stalking

If you are unsure if your experience is gender-based violence and harassment, you can reach out to a member of the WRC GBVH Committee or GBVH Investigative Taskforce.