Harassment is a form of discrimination. It happens when someone experiences unwanted offensive or humiliating comments or behavior. There must be a link between the harassing behavior and that person’s protected personal characteristics called prohibited grounds. The harassment also has to happen in a protected area. Generally, harassment is a behavior that persists over time. Serious one-time incidents can also sometimes be considered harassment.
The Human Rights Act defines harassment as a “course of vexatious comment or conduct that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome.”
Examples of Harassment
These include:
- Verbal or physical abuse, threats, derogatory remarks, jokes, innuendo or taunts about appearance or beliefs.
- The display of pornographic, racist or offensive images.
- Practical jokes that result in awkwardness or embarrassment.
- Unwelcome invitations or requests, either indirect or explicit.
- Intimidation, leering or other objectionable gestures.
- Condescension or paternalism that undermines self-confidence.
- Unwanted physical contact such as touching, patting, pinching, punching and outright physical assault
If someone is threatening you, following you, attempting to make sexual advances, or refusing to leave you alone, you need to think about how to protect yourself. If it is safe to do so, you can start by telling the person that you don’t like the behavior and asking them to stop. If the harassment doesn’t let up, take measures such as talking to your employer, landlord, union, and/or someone else in a position of authority. It may be beneficial to:
- Keep track of the harassing behaviors
- Be mindful of timelines for making complaints (12 months from the date of harassment for a Human Rights Complaint)
External Resources for Support
- PLIAN operates a Legal Information Line and Lawyer Referral Service Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (Newfoundland time) or 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM (Atlantic time). Through the Legal Information Line, clients can receive general legal information and assistance with navigating the legal system. As part of the Legal Information Line, PLIAN’s Lawyer Referral Service offers clients referrals to participating lawyers. Lawyers who register with this service agree to provide an initial 30-minute consultation at a cost of $40 (taxes included). To contact the Legal Information Line and Lawyer Referral Service, contact PLIAN at 1-888-660-7788/709-722-2643 or email them at either info@publiclegalinfo.com or a2j@publiclegalinfo.com. Clients in Labrador can also access the Legal Information Line and Lawyer Referral Service through the Labrador Office at 709-896-5235 or labrador@publiclegalinfo.com. Please note that in-person service is available by appointment only.
- The MUNL Sexual Harassment Office is located in room E6039 of the Alexander Murray Building (Earth Sciences) on the St. John’s campus and works to prevent sexual harassment and sexual assault through education, mitigate the effects of sexual harassment and sexual assault, and identify methods for timely resolutions of complaints of sexual harassment and sexual assault which may arise at Memorial University. The Sexual Harassment Office serves all students, faculty, and staff of all Memorial University campuses and institutes: St. John’s campus; Signal Hill Campus, St. John’s; Grenfell Campus, Corner Brook; the Marine Institute, St. John’s; Harlow Campus, Old Harlow, Essex, UK; Labrador Institute, Happy Valley-Goose Bay; and the Frecker Program in St. Pierre. They are be reached by telephone at (709) 864-8199 or by email at shoffice@mun.ca.
- The NL Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre offers supports and services to anyone impacted by sexual violence. They offer a 24-Hour Support and Information Line where callers can reach an empathetic, non-judgmental volunteer. Call the support line at 1-800-726-2743.