FAQs - HRLSC

What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual or gender-based harassment is a kind of discrimination. It involves any unwanted physical or verbal behaviour that harms, offends or humiliates. A single, serious incident can also be considered harassment. An act that constitutes sexual assault is also very likely to constitute sexual harassment. Some examples of sexual harassment include:

Unwanted touching
Unwanted sexualized comments, gestures, and jokes
Asking for sexual favours

Other behaviours and actions that “ought to be known” to be unwelcome and unwanted (e.g. leering, standing in someone’s personal space, talking about people’s bodies or sex lives)

What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is any touching or activity of a sexual nature without the consent of the person being touched.

Visit our Definitions page for in-depth explanations of workplace sexual harassment and other key terms.

What is the SHARE Project?

SHARE stands for Sexual Harassment and Assault Resource Exchange. SHARE is a service that supports diverse workers who have experienced sexual harassment or assault at work learn more about their legal or community resource options to make informed decisions to address or remedy their experience of workplace sexual harassment.

Who does this project serve?

SHARE is for anyone who has experienced sexual harassment and/or sexual assault in the workplace. Sexual harassment includes harassment with respect to sex, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or gender identity.

I don’t know if my experience at work was “sexual harassment”, but I know I didn’t like it. Can SHARE help me?

If you’re not sure you have experienced workplace sexual harassment, call us and we can talk to you about what you experienced and help you to identify the options that work best for you and your situation.

Who is eligible to receive support from SHARE?

Any worker who has experienced sexual harassment and/or sexual assault in the workplace can call SHARE if the incident took place in Ontario or is connected to a workplace in Ontario. Workers can include people who work without pay, such as volunteers, interns and students.

How can I contact you?

The SHARE Team can be reached by calling at 1-866-625-5179 or 416-597-4900 and following the prompts. You will need to press 5 to reach the SHARE intake staff.

When can I call SHARE?

The SHARE intake line hours of operation are: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 9:00am-5:00pm and Thursday 2:00pm-6:00pm. If your call is not answered, please leave a message on our voicemail clearly stating your name and contact information (phone number and e-mail address) and we will respond to your message within 1-2 Business days or earlier, where possible. You can expect a call back between 9:00am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. If you cannot speak during these hours, please indicate that in your voicemail and let us know when would be a good time to reach you. Please make sure you leave an e-mail address.

Do I currently need to be employed to use SHARE?

No, you do not need to be currently employed to access our services.

If I am a newcomer or an undocumented worker, can I call you?

The SHARE project serves all workers in Ontario, including newcomers and undocumented workers. You do not have to be a Canadian citizen to access SHARE services. The SHARE Project provides confidential services to all clients

What languages are your services available in?

SHARE services are available in over 140 languages, including ASL.

How much will it cost to use SHARE’s services?

The SHARE project is funded by the Department of Justice. SHARE’s services are free for service users.

I don’t know if I want to report sexual harassment at work, can I get help without reporting?

Yes, you can get help without reporting. The SHARE project will give you advice about a variety of legal options. Once you have that information, you can decide to choose a legal process, or you can decide not to report at all.

I self-identify as an Indigenous person. Can I speak with an Indigenous staff person about sexual harassment at work?

Yes, anyone who identifies as Indigenous may speak with an Indigenous staff member about experiences of sexual harassment and/or sexual assault at work. No documentation is required to access Indigenous services. You can receive services in a variety of Indigenous languages.

Does SHARE provide trainings or presentations about workplace sexual harassment to members of the public?

SHARE conducts community outreach to educate workers, students, youth, Indigenous communities, 2SLGBTQ+ workers, community organizations, universities, colleges, and the general public about workplace sexual harassment and the options that workers can access. To request a presentation, please contact Shagufta Sadique, Outreach Coordinator at ssadique@hrlsc.on.ca or 416-592-4942.

Does the SHARE Project provide information about other resources that are available across Ontario?

SHARE is collaborating with a diverse range of service organizations across Ontario to inform and support workers experiencing workplace sexual harassment. For more information about other available resources, please visit the Resources section of our website. You can also call our intake line and speak with a SHARE Advisor to find the resources you might need.