LS-26 Sexual Harassment Awareness Flashcards
- State the Air Force policy on sexual harassment.
a. ZERO TOLERANCE!
- State commander/supervisory responsibilities regarding sexual harassment.
a. Commanders and supervisors should consider each situation individually.
b. If the sexual harassment complaint is found to be valid, the commander must take swift, firm corrective or disciplinary action against the offender.
c. The commander must ensure no retaliatory action is taken against the complainant.
d. Commanders and supervisors must take special care to ensure reprisals of a direct or indirect nature do not take place with the complainant.
- Explain the various forms of sexual harassment.
a. Verbal Sexual Harassment
i. Verbal sexual harassment may include inquiries into a person’s intimate or personal relationships, sexually oriented comments about one’s appearance, or continued pressure for dates, particularly after refusals
b. Nonverbal Sexual Harassment
i. Nonverbal sexual harassment may include sexually demeaning notes or cartoons, nude pictures in and around the work area, or ashtrays, coffee mugs, or figurines of a sexual nature
c. Physical Sexual Harassment
i. Physical sexual harassment may include patting, pinching, hugging, grabbing, rubbing, massaging, deliberate touching, or any other unnecessary physical contact. Blocking a person’s path, or pinning a person against a wall can also constitute sexual harassment.
- Summarize the effects of sexual harassment on mission accomplishment.
a. Sexual harassment, real or perceived, degrades leadership and interferes with command authority and mission effectiveness.
b. It may create situations that negatively affect unit cohesiveness.
- Identify informal and formal means of relief from sexual harassment.
a. Informal
i. Complainant could seek out the potential harasser and communicate to him/her that their unwanted sexual behavior, gestures, or comments are unwelcome
ii. Correct immediately
iii. Inform the harasser’s supervisor or your supervisor
iv. Can use EO to document an informal complaint, but are not part of the resolution process
b. Formal (several choices)
i. Chain of command, legal office, security forces, the chaplain, EO office, IG, congressional channels, or the US attorney general
ii. Must submit formal complaints to the EO office
iii. The process involves gathering information for the commander or individual with jurisdiction to resolve the situation.
- Explain what penalties could be associated with sexual harassment.
a. If sexual harassment complaints are found to be valid, then oral or written reprimands
b. Can lead to court-martial action for the offender
