Sexual harassment doesn't always have to focus on sexual activity.

Don't shrug off employees' sexual harassment complaints simply because they don't involve touching, leering or suggestive comments.

Sexual harassment is considered a form of sex discrimination. Most often it revolves around harassing behavior that can be clearly linked to sex.

But an intense focus on sexual activity or sex characteristics isn't always necessary to prove sexual harassment. As long as the victim can link the harassing behavior to her gender in some way, she's got a case.

Recent case: Karen, a middle school principal, got excellent reviews for many years. Then a school district employee, a man, began criticizing her performance in front of her peers.

The man also allegedly yelled at female co-workers and often slammed his fist on a desk when making a point. He only did this when talking to women and never when talking to men. Karen concluded...