What is Harassment?

Harassment is a form of discrimination. It includes any unwanted physical or verbal behaviour that offends or humiliates you. Generally, harassment is a behaviour that persists over time. Serious one-time incidents can also sometimes be considered harassment.

Harassment occurs when someone

• Makes unwelcome remarks or jokes about your race, religion, sex, age, disability or any other of the grounds of discrimination;
• Threatens or intimidates you because of your race, religion, sex, age, disability or any other of the grounds of discrimination;
• Makes unwelcome physical contact with you, such as touching, patting, or pinching.

Examples of Harassment

• A colleague repeatedly makes fun of your hijab
• A manager regularly makes inappropriate comments about your physical appearance
• An employee threatens your safety following a heated discussion
• A supervisor rubs your shoulders despite your repeated objections