What is Considered to be a Sexual Advance?
One of the reasons the victims of sexual harassment sometimes do not speak up about their struggle is because they do not have a proper understanding of sexual harassment. It does not take a violent sexual confrontation to permanently alter someone’s life. There are many forms of sexual harassment and the unwanted sexual advance is one of them. People need to understand how to identify a sexual advance so they can address the issue immediately and stop the harassment.
The Definition of a Sexual Advance
A sexual advance is the implication by an aggressor that they would like to engage in some sort of sexual activity with someone who might or might not reciprocate the sentiment. A sexual advance can be a statement, body movement, facial expression, or anything that explicitly indicates that there is a request for sex being made. In most cases, a sexual advance does not have to involve physical contact.
Consent
An unwanted sexual advance is one that is made in a situation where the victim has no intention on giving consent for sex. It is important to remember that a sexual advance in and of itself is not necessarily bad or considered sexual harassment. But if the advance is unwanted by the recipient and there is no desire for giving consent, then you have a sexual harassment situation.
Examples of a Sexual Advance
A sexual advance can be a singular event, or it can be the culmination of several events. For example, if an aggressor tells a potential victim a sexually charged joke and then stares intently at the victim, then the joke is a set-up for a sexual advance. This goes for telling sexually explicit stories, making sexual observations, or simply making sexually suggestive hand gestures.
A sexual advance can be made in any medium, including digital communication. Sexual advances can be made over the phone, through email, on social media, or in person. Any instance where a person suggests a request for sex from someone else is considered a sexual advance.
Most sexual advances that are unwanted are usually rebuffed by the recipient simply denying the advance. Persistent sexual advances after it was made clear that consent was not given constitute sexual harassment, and they should be handled in such a way.
Our law firm has a staff of sexual harassment attorneys who are ready to listen to your story and give you the legal advice you need. Our compassionate and understanding legal team is ready to help you stop unwanted sexual advances and help you to protect your rights.