Sexual harassment is generally defined as any unwanted or offensive behavior of a sexual nature. Often times when we think of sexual harassment, we think of a situation wherein an employee is offered an advancement in his or her career in exchange for sexual favors, which is called quid pro quo harassment. However, there are various other situations that constitute sexual harassment in the workplace. For example, the creation of what’s known as a hostile environment for a worker on the basis of that worker’s gender, sex, religion or other protected status, is another type of sexual harassment. Offenses can be perpetrated by a man against a woman, or a woman against a man. In either case, recourse is available for the harassed worker through a claim with the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC) or through a civil lawsuit. To learn more about behaviors that constitute sexual harassment, or about the consequences of such behaviors, see our articles and answers to frequently asked questions about sexual harassment.