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In Richmond, Canada, sexual harassment is considered a form of gender-based discrimination and is illegal under both human rights law and employment law. It encompasses a wide range of behaviours and actions, including unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, and other unwelcome physical or verbal conduct of a sexual nature.
If you have been the victim of sexual harassment, it is critical that you understand your rights and how to protect them. A lawyer can help you understand the complicated legal system, help you document incidents and gather evidence, guide you through the complaint process (whether through your employer or a human rights commission), and represent you if your case goes to court. If you are being accused of sexual harassment, a lawyer can help you prepare your defence and ensure your rights are protected as well.
Richmond, like the rest of British Columbia, is governed by the BC Human Rights Code. Under this Code, sexual harassment is a prohibited ground of discrimination. This prohibition applies to all areas of life including employment, tenancy, and services customarily offered to the public. Furthermore, employers are expected to provide a working environment free from sexual harassment. They are obligated to address and resolve any complaints of sexual harassment and can be held liable if they fail to do so.
If you are experiencing sexual harassment, you have the right to make a complaint to your employer. If your employer does not resolve the problem, or if you experience retaliation for making a complaint, you may file a complaint with the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal.
Harassment does not always have to be of a sexual nature. It may involve sexist or homophobic comments or behaviours that create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.
Examples of sexual harassment can include unwelcome sexual compliments, gender-based offensive jokes, non-consensual sharing of sexual images or messages, or any unwelcome physical contact or intimidation of a sexual nature.
Both individuals and organizations can be held accountable. This can include the alleged harasser, the employer, or anyone else who fails to take appropriate action upon learning about the harassment.
Yes, sexual harassment can occur in any situation where one party has some sort of authority or power over another, such as school, rental housing, or services customarily available to the public, among others.
You could contact local governmental bodies such as the Richmond Human Rights Advisory Committee, or non-profit organizations such as the Richmond Women's Resource Centre or Access Pro Bono Society of BC for advice regarding sexual harassment. The Canadian Human Rights Commission also has valuable resources on its website.
If you need legal assistance related to sexual harassment, it's advised to have a consultation with a lawyer specializing in that field. Make sure to document all incidents, save any available evidence, and report the behavior as soon as possible, either to your employer or the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal. Ask your lawyer about the best course of action based on your specific situation.
