Healthy Sexuality

Sexual and reproductive health is a key part of an individual's health, and well-being. According to Health Canada (2001), "healthy sexuality is a positive and life affirming part of being human. It includes knowledge of self, opportunities for healthy sexual relationships and comfort with different expressions of sexuality including love, joy, sensuality, or celibacy. Our attitudes about sexuality, our ability to understand and accept our own sexuality, to make healthy choices and respect the choices of others are essential aspects of who we are and how we interact with others."

The law will not eliminate sexuality from the workplace.


Sexual Harassment
The Canadian Labour Code gives all employees the right to employment free of sexual harassment and states that employers must take action to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.

Examples of Sexual Harassment
  • Comments, gestures or contact of a sexual nature that humiliates or offends someone
  • Requests for sexual favours
  • Use of offensive language or telling dirty jokes
  • Persistent unwanted sexual advances
  • Any behaviour toward an employee whereby he/she may feel that sexual conditions are being placed on their employment
Did you know?
  • The victim as well as the harasser can be a man or a woman
  • The victom does not have to be of the opposite sex
  • The harasser can be the victim's supervisor, an agent of the employer, a co-worker, or a non-employee
Preventing Harassment for Employers
  • Increase your awareness of sexual harassment and create or review your current policy
  • Ensure your company's dress code is clear as to what is appropriate dress
  • Increase the awareness of sexual harassment among your employees. Make sure they understand what sexual harassment comprises and that it will not be tolerated
  • Be a role model. Set an example of the type of behaviour you expect from  your employees
  • Remember that education and awareness can often stop or prevent sexual harassment
Preventing Sexual Harassment for Employees
  • Do not bring sexually related items (pornography, lingerie, gag gifts, etc.) to work
  • If you ask someone out, and they turn you down, take no for an answer
  • If someone tells you that you have done something that bothers him or her, refrain from that behaviour. Remember that what is acceptable behaviour to one person can be offensive to another
What to do if you are being sexually harassed at work
  • Don't assume the behaviour will stop on it's own
  • Tell the harasser exactly what about their behaviour offends you, and ask them to stop
  • Tell someone. By confiding in someone you trust it may help you feel less isolated
  • If after following your comany's procedure for filing a complaint and the harassment hasn't stopped, contact a lawyer.
More Resources on the Web