When did sexual harassment become a crime?

When did sexual harassment become a crime?

Sexual harassment has been a pervasive issue in the workplace and other settings for centuries, but it wasn’t until relatively recently that it became a criminal offense. In this article, we’ll explore the history of sexual harassment and when it became a crime.

Early History of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment has been a problem since ancient times. In ancient Greece and Rome, women were often subjected to sexual harassment and assault. In the Middle Ages, women were seen as property and were often subjected to sexual abuse and harassment.

19th and Early 20th Centuries

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, sexual harassment was not recognized as a criminal offense. In fact, it was often seen as a private matter between individuals. Women who reported sexual harassment were often shamed and blamed for the behavior.

The Feminist Movement

The feminist movement of the 1960s and 1970s played a crucial role in raising awareness about sexual harassment. Feminist activists such as Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem helped to bring attention to the issue and push for change.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a major milestone in the fight against sexual harassment. The act prohibited employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. While it did not specifically address sexual harassment, it laid the groundwork for future legislation.

The 1980s: A Turning Point

The 1980s saw a significant shift in the way sexual harassment was viewed and addressed. In 1980, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued guidelines on sexual harassment, defining it as "unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature."

The 1990s: Criminalization of Sexual Harassment

In the 1990s, sexual harassment began to be recognized as a criminal offense. In 1991, the Supreme Court ruled in Harris v. Forklift Systems, Inc. that sexual harassment could be a form of discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Table: Timeline of Major Events

The 21st Century: Continued Progress

In the 21st century, there has been continued progress in addressing sexual harassment. In 2018, the #MeToo movement brought attention to the widespread problem of sexual harassment and assault. Governments and organizations around the world have taken steps to address the issue, including passing laws and implementing policies to prevent and respond to sexual harassment.

Conclusion

Sexual harassment has a long and complex history, but it wasn’t until the 1990s that it became a criminal offense. The feminist movement, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and subsequent legislation and court rulings have all played a role in recognizing sexual harassment as a serious issue. Today, there is a growing recognition of the need to address sexual harassment and assault, and efforts are underway to create a safer and more respectful society for all.

Key Takeaways

• Sexual harassment has been a problem for centuries, but it wasn’t until the 1990s that it became a criminal offense.
• The feminist movement and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 played a crucial role in raising awareness about sexual harassment.
• The EEOC’s 1980 guidelines on sexual harassment helped to define the issue and establish it as a form of employment discrimination.
• The 1990s saw a significant shift in the way sexual harassment was viewed and addressed, with the Supreme Court ruling in Harris v. Forklift Systems, Inc. and the Voyles v. National Park Service ruling establishing that sexual harassment can be a form of sexual discrimination.
• The 21st century has seen continued progress in addressing sexual harassment, with the #MeToo movement and efforts to create a safer and more respectful society for all.