WASHINGTON, DC — June 25, 2004 — In an effort to educate employees about sexual harassment and its consequences in the workplace, the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) announces the release of a new educational video training program — Sexual Harassment: Recognition and Prevention.

The program features an 18-minute video and Facilitators Guide explaining what sexual harassment is, how it can be identified and the proper procedures for reporting this behavior. Through a series of vignettes, the video illustrates different scenarios where sexual harassment is occurring.

The video explains that while incidents may sometimes be subtle in action, contact that is unwanted, unwelcome and unsolicited qualifies as sexual harassment.

“A workplace that is free of this kind of inappropriate behavior is what all companies should be striving for,” said Kim Roberts, manager, education programs, FMI. “This video focuses on the importance of identifying sexual harassment and creating a work environment where employees understand how harassment can undermine employee performance and the organization where it occurs.”

Sexual Harassment: Recognition and Prevention describes the various forms of sexual harassment, including:

• Lewd or belittling comments and jokes


• Vulgar or indecent language


• Verbal teasing or abuse


• Sexual pressure, propositions or threats


• Sexual compliments


• Unwanted or inappropriate touching


• Sexual gestures


• Use or display of pornographic pictures and calendars


• Leering or making obscene noises

The accompanying Facilitators Guide outlines a two-hour employee training program (and four-hour manager training program) using case studies and role-playing to recognize and address instances of sexual harassment in the workplace.

To purchase Sexual Harassment: Recognition and Prevention ($125 FMI retail/wholesaler members; $213 associate members; $250 nonmembers), please contact the FMI Store (202-220-0723, www.fmi.org/pub).