Discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's sex or pregnancy is a violation of RCW 49.60 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. 

Sexual Harassment is a serious issue affecting employees: at least 58% of working women have experienced sexual harassment in employment. Sexual harassment is costly to employers, disruptive to the workplace, and can have a significant emotional, financial, and physical impact on the victim. 

At the request of the Washington State Legislature under Senate Bill 6471, the Washington State Human Rights Commission convened a workgroup to create a Model Sexual Harassment Policy and Complaint Procedure, Model Sexual Harassment Investigation Procedures, and Best Practices. 

These documents are below, and are available for use by all employers in the State of Washington. They can also be utilized as reference materials for employees or any other interested person.

• Introduction and Best Practices

An Introduction to the Model Sexual Harassment Policy and Model Sexual Harassment Investigation Procedures, and Best Practices.

• Sexual Harassment Model Policy

To assist in creating a workplace that is free from sexual harassment

• Sexual Harassment Model Procedures

These procedures can be used by anyone who is responsible for receiving harassment complaints.

• Sexual Harassment Brochure - Russian Language
• Sexual Harassment Brochure - Spanish Language
• Sexual Harassment Brochure - Vietnamese Language