As of late, a wave of sexual harassment allegations has dominated the news. Historically, women have endured sexist, offensive and discriminatory workplaces, but it was “hush hush” up until recently. While progressive legislation and protective case law have induced employers to try to create more equitable work environments, sex-based harassment allegations have stayed consistent over the past decade.

Today, many people do not distinguish between sex-based and sexual harassment, and courts tend to use the label of sexual harassment to describe either or both. The harassment of women can take many forms besides sexual overtures and unwanted touching, and encompasses any conduct that manifests resentment or hostility toward women in the workplace, such as name-calling, slurs, negative stereotyping and threatening or hostile acts.